ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
FOB VSE IN
LIBHARY0NL1
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
CARLI: Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois
http://www.archive.org/details/illinoistechengi13illi
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINE E R
OCTOBER, 1947
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE!
PAUL V.GALVIN LIBRARY
35 WEST 33RD STREET
CHICAGO, IL 60616
Jj><jperienee is the BestJeadher/
ROSE GOULD MAN&S By HER HECLS — WITH
OTHER SUPPORT AND NO NET — IN A
STUNT THAT /MAKES EVEN VETERAN
CIRCUS HANDS BLINK/
SHE DIVES
I }
I SMOKED
MANy BRANDS DURING
THE WARTIME CIGARETTE
SHORTAGE- CAMELS
SUIT ME BEST/ p
<P- .
/ n.n„„r! C /!.//,'.
your T-ZONE"
will fell you...
T FOR TASTE...
T FOR THROAT...
Thats your proving ground
for any ciqarelte. See
if Camels don't
suit your'T-ZONE"
to a"T"
CMORE PEO
am
PEOPLE ARE SMOKING
THAN EVER BEFORE
iifi-Hx
Contributors . . .
Linton E. Grinler, research pro-
fessor of civil engineering and
mechanics at Illinois Tech, has gained
wide recognition for his work in struc-
tural engineering. He received his
bachelor's and civil engineering de-
grees at the University of Kansas
and his master's degree and doctorate
at the University of Illinois. He
served as professor of structural en-
gineering at Texas A & M college
from 1929 until 1937, when he joined
the staff of Armour Tech. He has
held the positions of dean of the
graduate school and vice president
of Illinois Tech. Dr. Grinter has pub-
lished five books on structural analy-
sis and design and has written nu-
merous articles on indeterminate
structures. His essay, "The Education
of Engineers for Latin America",
appeared in the March, 1947, Illi-
nois Tech Engineer.
Alfred C. Ames is assistant pro-
) fessor of English at Illinois Tech. He
received his bachelor's degree at the
University of Kansas and his mas-
■ ter's degree and doctorate at the Uni-
: versity of Illinois. He taught at Illi-
' nois from 1937 until 1944, when he
. joined the staff of Illinois Tech. Dr.
■^ Ames' articles have been published
J- in Poetry, ETC.: A Review of Gen-
eral Semantics, Modern Language
Notes, and the Journal oi Engineer-
ing Education.
Roy D. Haworth, Jr., is supervi-
sor of foundry process research of
Armour Research Foundation. A
graduate of Massachusetts Institute
of Technology in 1939, he was associ-
ated with the Ingersoll-Rand com-
pany, Phillipsburg, N. J., for two
years as metallurgist and chief metal-
lographer. In the early war years he
held a position with the Wyman-
Gordon company, Harvey, 111., and
in 1943 he became chief metallurgist
for the Lehigh Foundries, Easton, Pa.
Mr. Haworth joined the staff of
(please turn to page 4)
COVER PICTURE — John J.
Gilman, graduate student who lives
at 1516 Birchwood street, Chicago,
uses the heat treating and hardening
furnace in the metallurgical engineer-
ing laboratory.
OCTOBER, 1947
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
J™ this i.SMie
WHEN WILL SKYSCRAPERS RISE AGAIN? 6
By Linton E. Grinter
ENGLISH AT ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY:
A Unique Situation ... 9
By Alfred C. Ames
CONTROLLED POURING BY THE WETHERILL COUNTER-
GRAVITY CASTING PROCESS 10
By Roy D. Haworth and W. C. Wick
ATOMIC POWER: What Does It Mean To Our
Peacetime Economy? .13
By Herbert A. Simon
SPECIAL STEELS FOR SPECIAL ABILITIES 15
By Otto Zmeskal
EXCERPTS FROM INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
ANNUAL REPORT 1946-47 18
By Elmore S. Pettyjohn
GERMAN PUBLICATIONS SINCE THE END OF THE WAR 22
By F. K. Richter
PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE 26
A.A.A.S. CONVENTION 40
JAMES W. ARMSEY, Ed/for
THELMA L. COLEMAN, Business Manager
Associate Editors
THEODORE A. DAUM FREDERICK W. JAUCH
Student Staff
SHERWOOD BENSON R. ROBERT LYDEN
BERTRAM A. COLBERT MACK McCLURE
WILLIAM B. FURLONG FRANK R. VALVODA
AARON L. ZOLOT
Published October, December, March and May.
Subscription rates, $1.50 per year.
Editorial and Business Office, Illinois Institute of Technology,
3300 Federal St., Chicago 16, Illinois.
OCTOBER, 1947
lo ) <7 5 X
PROBLEM: You are designing a valve grinding machine. You have to
provide a drive for the chuck that holds the valve stem. This chuck
must be adjustable in three different directions. Your problem now is to
devise a method of driving the chuck which permits these adjustments.
How would you do it?
THE SIMPLE ANSWER:
Use an S.S.White power
drive flexible shaft to
transmit power to the
chuck. The shaft provides
a positive, dependable
drive that permits free
movement of the chuck in
any direction.
This is just one of hundreds
of remote control and
power drive problems to
which S.S.White flexible
This is how one large manufacturer did il. t
shafts provide a simple answer. That's why
every engineer should be familiar with
the wide range and scope of these useful
"Metal Muscles"* for mechanical bodies.
WRITE FOR BULLETIN 4501
It gives essential facts and engineering data
about flexible shafts and their application. A
copy is yours free for the asking. Write today.
SS WHITE
INDUSTRIAL
C*t of ft-teUotCa A AAA Imduttoiat Sntotftttaex
(continued from page 3)
Armour Research Foundation in
1946.
William C. Wick joined the staff
of Armour Research Foundation in
1940. Previously, he had been an
organizer and charter member of the
Junior Foundrymen of America.
From January, 1944, to February
1946, he served in the United States
Navy and was assigned to the Naval
Research laboratory, where he
started and developed the use of in-
sulated risers for non-ferrous cast-
ings. Now serving as an assistant
metallurgist, Mr. Wick has written
for trade publications and has pre-
sented a paper before the annual
convention of the American Found-
rymen's association.
Herbert A. Simon is professor
and chairman of the department of
political and social science at Illinois
Tech. He received his bachelor's de-
gree and doctorate at the University
of Chicago. From 1939 to 1942 he
was associated with the University of
California. He joined the Illinois
Tech staff in 1942. Dr. Simon is con-
sultant to the International City
Managers' Association, Institute for
Training in Municipal Administra-
tion, the United States Bureau of the
Budget, the United States Census
Bureau, and the Cowles Commission
for Research in Education. He has
published numerous articles and
monographs. His essay, "What is
Urban Redevelopment?", appeared
in the December, 1946, Illinois Tech
Engineer.
Otto Zmeskal, professor and
director of the department of metal-
lurgical engineering at Illinois Tech,
has done outstanding research in the
fields of aluminum alloys and radi-
ography. Dr. Zmeskal at one time
served as the director of a program
sponsored by the Engineering Foun-
dation and the American Welding
Society on the corrosion cracking of
stainless steel. He received his bache-
lor's and master's degrees at Illinois
Tech and his doctorate at Massachu-
setts Institute of Technology. An in-
structor at Illinois Tech from 1938
to 1941, he returned in the fall of
1946 as director of the department.
(please turn to page 58)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
PHILIP DANFORTH ARMOUR— 1832-1901
Philip Armour sat listening on a Sunday long ago to a sermon by Frank W. "Would you carry them out if you had the means?" the packer questioned.
Gunsaulus on the topic, "What I would do if I had a million dollars?" "Most assuredly," said the preacher. "Very well," replied the decisive Armour,
"I would establish a school to help young people who want to help themselves," "If you will give me five years of your time, I will give you the money."
the minister said. "Do you believe in those ideas you just expressed?" the rich That was the beginning of Illinois Institute of Technology, which emerged
merchant asked after the service. "I assuredly do," was the firm response. from the consolidation of Lewis Institute and the institution founded by Philip
CRONAME
Incorporated
Chicago
LE CORBUSIER in his book,
When the Cathedrals Were
White, tells us that our skyscrapers
are too small! Only a score of them
are tall enough to please France's
famous architect who thinks of build-
ings as machines in which to live and
work. But none yet built comes up
to his desire for concentration of
floor space within the walls of a sin-
gle structure.
These tremendous acreages under
roof and behind glass would be sep-
arated by several blocks of green
grass so that all rooms would receive
fresh air and sunlight. Each com-
mercial sky habitation would be
reached by an elevated superhigh-
way with intersections blocks apart
so that traffic might travel above 50
miles an hour. Each would be a
complete unit with motor parking,
stores, restaurants, and perhaps liv-
ing space for some of its thousands
of productive occupants.
The great French architect has
thus sketched in freehand an excit-
ing mural of a future metropolis;
but we must live with the dirt and
noise of crowded streets and continu-
ous pavements congesting and, some
say, strangling Chicago and New
York. If we were motivated by
morals and ethics alone, we would
build more skyscrapers only where
they would help the transition from
today's slums and slum-like work-
shops to tomorrow's clean, quiet,
comfortable, healthful factories and
habitations.
But we Americans are agreed that
private initiative must not be re-
stricted too greatly, and we have not
as yet been willing to tell a land own-
er exactly what he can do with his
land. Le Corbusier's plan might re-
quire public ownership of all the
land of the city. Its fruition seems
even farther in the future when we
look behind Chicago's Outer Drive
or move a block or two away from
New York's famed Fifth Avenue.
Since our interest centers in those
years bracketing 1950 when con-
struction controls will be long past
and materials will be at hand for any
investor's use, we reluctantly thrust
The Empire State Building
When Will Skyscrapers
Rise Again?
by LINTON E. GRINTER*
Le Corbusier's idealism aside. Hard-
headed, dollar -conscious American
commercialism will still determine
whether the new building to be erect-
ed near State and Madison or 42nd
and Broadway will be 2, 20, or 100
stories high. It is not likely that the
owner will even be required by law
to provide a parking place for the
extra vehicles that his bright new
building will bring into the traffic
cage of the central business district.
Aside from fire regulations and
strength requirements, he will be
nearly as free as a pioneer in the
wilderness to build as he pleases.
If money can be borrowed freely,
he will pile story on story until a
height is reached beyond which the
income from the next story would
not amortize its cost over a reason-
able period of years while returning
to the owner the cost of upkeep, in-
terest charges, and the desired profit.
We must look into the probable eco-
nomic conditions following 1950 to
guess whether our cities will again
rise to greater heights than the
crowded redwood forests of the Pa-
cific Coast or spread out intermin-
ably over poorer land in a fashion
more like the mesquite country of
the Southwest.
The year 1930 marks the termina-
tion of the period of skyscraper con-
struction in the United States. Like
world famous jewels, we can name
nearly every skyscraper that has
been planned since then. The Kohi-
noor Diamond and Rockefeller Cen-
ter are equally renowned. 1930 also
is the publication date of a book
called The Skyscraper, written by
two able economist-builders, which
seems to prove that the owner of a
superior building site in a central
metropolitan area, seeking a high
percentage return on his investment,
should choose to construct a build-
ing about 60 stories in height.
Yet in the 17-year interim since
this book appeared, nearly all new
construction within the commercial
heart of such metropolitan areas has
been for "taxpayers" — buildings of a
few stories, or even of one story, in
height. Evidently the economic bon-
fire of the late twenties which burned
itself out by 1930 has not yet re-
kindled to produce the conditions
favoring skyscraper construction that
these authors looked upon as normal.
Let us consider some of the factors
that have changed.
Central Metropolitan building
sites in the late twenties were con-
sidered to have a value from 100 to
300 dollars per square foot. In the
depression, site values collapsed and
have been slow to revive. During a
period of great construction activity,
these values would no doubt reap-
pear; but until then, we may fairly
reduce the 1929 value of the site by
one-half. Hence, where Clark and
Kingston, who wrote The Skyscrap-
er, placed a value of $200 per square
foot upon a block of land 200 feet
by 405 feet in size, we choose to re-
duce this land value of $16,200,000
to $8,100,000 as item A in the table
entitled "Economic Height of a Sky-
scraper."
On the other hand, the cost of the
building is dependent upon inflated
wages and increased prices of mate-
rials which now range from 50 to
100 per cent above 1929. We will
assume that the more remarkable
gyrations of the present inflation cy-
cle will quiet down and that a new
stable level of construction costs will
be reached at 50 per cent above the
ECONOMIC HEIGHT OF A SKYSCRAPER
Adapted to assume conditions
for 1950 from estimates in
"The Skyscraper", Am. Inst.
8-Story
15-Story 22-Story
30-Story 37-Story 50-Story 63-Story 75-Story
of Steel Construction, 1930
Building Building Building
Building Building Building Building Building
INVESTMENT
(in t
housand
s of doll
ars)
A. LAND (81,000 Bq. ft. @
$100 per sq. ft
$8,100
$8,100
$8,100
$8,100
$ 8,100
$8,100
$8,100
$8,108
B. BUILDING COST
(50% above 1929)
7,160
10,970
13,970
20,720
24,800
29,100
33,800
C. CARRYING CHARGES
1. Interest during con-
struction
(a) Land (4% for full
period) _
270
323
378
432
486
640
594
648
(b) Building (4% for
half period)
119
219
S26
471
622
826
1,065
1,353
2. Land taxes during con-
struction _
146
175
204
233
262
292
321
350
3. Insurance during con-
struction
3
6
8
12
21
35
65
95
TOTAL CARRYING
CHARGES
538
782
916
1,148
1,391
1,693
2,045
2,446
D. GRAND TOTAL COST
(A + B + O)
$15,798
$19,792
$22,986
$26,908
$30^211
$34,593
$39,245
$44,378
(in thousands of dollars)
INCOME
E. GROSS ANNUAL INCOME
(70% of 1929) _
1,272
1,946
2,440
2,925
3,330
. 3,910
4,415
4,840
F. EXPENSES
1. Operating (50% above
1929)
467
723
888
3,085
1,220
1,413
1,585
',820
3. Taxes (same tax rate
as for 1929) _._
341
427
497
672
747
850
958
3. Depreciation (over 50
years)
143
219
280
353
414
497
582
676
TOTAL EXPENSES.
951
1,369
1,665
2,020
2,306
2,657
3,017
3,454
G. NET ANNUAL INCOME
(E minus F)
$321
$577
$775
$905
$1,024
$1,253
$1,398
$1,386
(in thousands of dollars)
NET RETURN
H. PERCENTAGE RETURN
ON INVESTMENT
2.03%
2.92%
3.37%
3.37%
3.39%
3.63%
3.56%
3.13%
(Based upon assumed con-
ditions for 1950)
[. 1929 ESTIMATED PER
CENTAGE RETURN
4.22%
6.44%
7.73%
8.50%
9.07%
9.87%
10.25%
10.06%
OCTOBER, 1947
level of 1929. The result of applying
this correction to the estimates of
Clark and Kingston of the costs of
eight buildings is presented in line B
of the table. As shown by the block
diagram, these eight buildings were
obtained by successively reducing
the height of a 75-story building to
63, 50, 37. 30, 22, 15 and finally 8
stories without making any other
changes in the plan.
The third great element of cost, in
addition to the land and the building
itself, is the carrying charges. In
compartment C of the table, we find
a small item for insurance during
construction, a major charge for
taxes on the land during the one to
two years of the construction period,
and naturally an interest charge on
the gradually increasing investment
in land and building.
The tax rate per hundred dollars
of land valuation is taken to be the
same as for 1929, but it seems rea-
sonable to reduce the interest rate
on invested capital from 6 per cent
to 4 per cent, since investment
money has remained available at
about 4 per cent for a decade. The
sum of the value of the land, the cost
of the building itself, and the un-
avoidable carrying charges give us
the grand total cost in line D of the
table for each of the eight buildings
considered. This investment ranges
from 515,798,000 for the 8-story
building up to 544,376,000 for the
75-story building.
Now that the approximate overall
investment required for each build-
ing is known, it is only necessary to
estimate the probable net income
from each building in order to cal-
culate the net return on each option-
al investment. Net income is equal
to gross income less operating ex-
penses. Here we find a great change
since 1929. Rents have decreased,
and, therefore, gross income has de-
creased, too. While rents in 1929
were estimated from 52.42 per
rquare foot for the least desirable
office space to 518.23 per square foot
for the first floor of a 75-story build-
ing, we recall that those figures were
still halved in 1940. Since then, large
rent increases have occurred; but to
estimate the average gross rentals
&0^
„.■!!•! ill llll
The Merchandise Mart, Chicago.
over the 50-year life of a building at
more than 70 per cent of the extreme
1929 rental would be dealing in eco-
nomic gossamer.
Experience over many years shows
that some allowance must be made
for vacancies and for decreased rent-
als after the intangible values to the
tenant of residence in a new building
have disappeared. Item E in the
table therefore anticipates average
rentals of 70 per cent of Clark and
Kingston's 1929 estimates.
Under expenses, item F, we find
operation, which has been raised 50
per cent to allow for increased wages
and the inflated prices of all operat-
ing supplies. As mentioned earlier,
annual taxes are assumed to be
based upon the same tax rate per
hundred dollars of valuation as for
1929. Depreciation is simply two per
cent per year, forecasting a 50-year
life for the structure. The building
should remain useful for more than
50 years, but it is doubtful if any in-
vestment group would be willing to
wait a greater period of time for
complete amortization of the initial
cost of construction.
When the total expenses are de-
ducted from the gross income, the
resulting annual net income (line G)
ranges from a maximum of 51,398.-
000 for the 63-story building down
to 542 1,000 for the 8-story building.
The net yearly income from the 75-
story building is shown to be less
than the net income from the 63-
story building, which proves that the
upper part of the structure above 63
stories is wholly uneconomic under
the conditions assumed.
A comparison of the percentage
returns on the total investments giv-
en in line H of the table shows that
the percentage return increases grad-
ually with height from 8 to 50 stories,
remains nearly constant from 50 to
63 stories, and then decreases sharp-
ly. The conclusions of Clark and
Kingston about economic height are
not greatly changed if we assume
that a building of eight stories or
more is to be built. A wise investor
will then choose a building in the
range of from 50 to 60 stories where
the probable return on his invest-
ment is fairly constant at about 3.5
per cent.
The question remains as to wheth-
er skyscrapers will be built at all un-
der the conditions foreseen for the
years bracketing 1950. The owner
of vacant property or of an obsoles-
cent building always may choose the
alternative of erecting a low "tax-
payer building", thus delaying his in-
vestment in constructing a skyscrap-
er until the probable return appears
more favorable.
If we compare the two final lines
of the table, we see the great differ-
ence in predicted return on invest-
ment between 1929 and 1950. Where
(please turn to page 24)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
THREE DAYS in Minneapolis last
June gave me a greatly heightened
awareness of the challenging and
anomalous situation in which teach-
ers and students in the department
of language, literature, and philos-
ophy at Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology find themselves. The situation
is unique — more emphatically unique
than I had previously realized. Some
explanation of this situation may well
be of interest.
Those June days in Minneapolis
were the occasion of the 1947 annual
convention of the American Society
for Engineering Education, a large
affair, with over a thousand in at-
tendance and with many "confer-
ences," including one in English. I
can hardly explain what I learned
there about LIT. without being to
some extent personal, so I shall speak
of the background subjectively and
reminiscently, without apology.
The context
Like nearly all other collegiate
teachers of English, as an undergrad-
uate I was an English major in a
liberal arts curriculum. My alma
mater was one of many state univer-
sities that taught both "Ejiglish" and
"engineering English." The latter
work was conducted by a separate
staff, a definite enclave within the
English department faculty, presided
over by that rarity in university fac-
ulties, a full professor without a doc-
tor's degree. We liberal arts freshmen
rarely had engineering students in
classes with us, and never in Erfglish
composition. As an English major, I
was hardly aware of the existence of
the "engineering English" program or
English at Illinois Institute
of Technology: a Unique
Situation
by Alfred C. Ames *
of its instructional staff.
After college came graduate school
and a teaching assistantship for me
at the University of Illinois. Illinois
did not segregate its freshman engi-
neers, but mixed all freshmen to-
gether in sections that were more or
less representative cross sections.
First year students in engineering,
liberal arts, agriculture, fine arts,
physical education, and commerce
all took "rhetoric" courses in a pro-
gram administered by the depart-
ment of English and staffed largely
by graduate students in English.
In 1941, I attended my first na-
tional convention of the Modern
Language Association, the principal
professional organization of collegiate
teachers of English and other modern
literatures. I have not missed a na-
tional convention since; and I have
been consistently impressed by the
tone and emphases of these gather-
ings. The M.L.A. is a scholarly organ-
ization. Its programs are largely given
over to new findings or syntheses in
specialized areas of literary or philo-
logical history. Its journal, Publica-
tions of the Modern Language Asso-
ciation, is famous or notorious, de-
pending upon the viewpoint, for its
solemnity (or stuffiness), substantial-
ness (or dullness), and scientific
rigor (or much ado about nothing).
The "Old Guard" of the M.L.A. con-
sists, in general, of the weightiest, be~t
known, highest salaried professors of
literature in the country. They as-
semble in their capacity as scholars.
An observer would not learn from
the official proceedings that they
were teachers at all.
Illinois Tech, I was reminded in
my first interview, was no ordinary
engineering school as far as its
English department was concerned.
This I and nearly everyone else in
the profession knew already, thanks
to the widely known publications of
some members of the staff here. A
study of the catalogue (the Ph.D.'s in
English from Harvard, Northwestern,
Washington, Wisconsin, and Yale;
the extensive list of courses) con-
firmed, on the customary basis of out-
side, uninformed judgment, the prop-
osition that teaching English at I.I.T.
was professionally honorific, rather
than otherwise, and was essentially
teaching English, not "engineering
English."
Three years' experience on the in-
side, and numerous departures from
and additions to the staff (none in-
volving other technical schools) have
served to support further the idea
that I.IT.'s English department has
status in the main stream of univer-
sity and liberal arts college English
departments. Many of the courses
listed in the catalogue are rarely, if
ever, given, but enough materialize
to enable the department to give a
sound English major in the liberal
studies division, and the administra-
tion unequivocally accepts university
standards for its English faculty.
At the Modern Language Asso-
ciation conventions I can hardly turn
around without seeing acquaintances
from universities and present or for-
mer colleagues at Illinois Tech. At
the American Society for Engineer-
ing Education convention, an almost
entirely different set of English pro-
fessors appeared — teachers of "engi-
neering English" in the universities
and the principal English professors
of such schools as Massachusetts In-
stitute of Technology and California
(please turn to page 28)
OCTOBER, 1947
fZA m
Controlled Pouring
by the
Wetherill
Counter-Gravity Casting Process
by Roy D. Haworth and W. C. Wick*
THE IDEA of counter-gravity or
vacuum casting is not new. In
1918, for example, a patent was issued
to Simon Lake for a process involv-
ing a combination of vacuum and
pressure casting. For many years the
Wetherill Engineering Company of
Philadelphia produced gray iron
castings by a counter-gravity pres-
sure technique in which molten metal
was forced upward into the bottom of
the mold cavity under pressure.
Difficulties presented by the higher
temperatures required for casting
steel, coupled with the dangers inher-
ent in constraining molten metal
under pressure, led to the develop-
ment of the present-day counter-
gravity vacuum casting technique by
Armour Research Foundation under
the sponsorship of the Wetherill En-
gineering Company and other indus-
trial concerns. The technique in
essence consists of sucking molten
metal under controlled vacuum into
the bottom of the mold without tur-
bulence and without gas and dirt
entrapment.
Figure 1. The Wetherill counter-
gravity casting unit as developed by
Armour Research Foundation.
The modern Wetherill process as
developed by Armour differs from
Lake's process in that Lake com-
pletely exhausted the mold cavity,
which was then filled with metal from
the top. This vacuum, while increas-
ing the probability of filling the
molds was uncontrolled and thereby
increased the natural inrush of metal
and probably aggravated the forma-
tion of defects.
Undoubtedly the most important
single operation in producing cast-
ings in large or small quantities is the
pouring of the molten metal into the
mold. Anyone familiar with casting
techniques is aware of the many dif-
ferent types of gates used. The pri-
mary objectives of the gate should be
to control metal entry into the mold
at the desired filling rate and location,
with a minimum amount of turbu-
lence.
A number of advantages are to be
* Supervisor, foundry process research, and as-
sistant metallurgist, respectively, Armour Research
Foundation of Illinois Institute of Technology.
10
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
gained by having the metal enter the
mold slowly and quietly. Gas entrap-
ment, mold erosion, misruns, surface
laps, sand and slag inclusions, to
name but a few, are quite often
caused by improper or uncontrolled
pouring procedures. Mechanical con-
trol of pouring with scientific accu-
racy is now obtainable through ihe
use of the counter-gravity method of
casting. A brief description of the
Wetherill Counter-Gravity Casting
Machine will offer some explanation
for the advantages of the process.
The present counter-gravity unit
in operation at Armour Research
Foundation in Chicago occupies a
floor space of approximately 110
square feet. This area includes the
casting unit or tower and the neces-
sary vacuum pump system. The cast-
ing tower consists mainly of an angle
iron structure which supports the vac-
uum chamber and molds. A system
containing an air hoist and air-
operated piston is used to raise and
lower the entire mold assembly and
vacuum chamber.
The machine is operated by one
man at a central control panel shown
to the right of the unit in Fig. 1. The
"The process and equipment described in this
article were primarily the result of development
work carried out under the direct guidance ci Dr.
T. C. Poulter, Associate Director, and Mr. M. H.
Kalina, Assistant Chairman, Metals Research ot
Armour Research Foundaiion cl Illinois Institute
ct Technology."
equipment on the control panel con-
sists of a series of four switches and
signal lights, a control lever, an auto-
matic timing device, and a strip chart
vacuum recorder. The entire casting
operation from start to finish is con-
trolled by a multi-acting lever. A glass
protection shield enables the opera-
tor to observe the entire operation
from the control panel.
The machine ready for operation
is illustrated in Fig. 1. The metal is
tapped from the melting furnace into
a ladle, which in turn is carried on
a buggy and track under the vacuum
chamber. A refractory nozzle extends
below the vacuum chamber. Before
the nozzle is lowered into the metal,
an automatic skimmer blows slag
and dirt from the surface of the metal
immediately below the nozzle. The
nozzle is dipped into the ladle of
molten metal and the vacuum is then
applied; this sucks the molten metal
up into the mold.
Figure 2. Brake shoe head produced by the counter-gravity method.
As quenched high-speed steel (1000 X) contains diamond-hard particles of
carbides embedded in a hard (martensitic) matrix.
As the metal level drops in the
ladle, the nozzle and vacuum cham-
ber are lowered by the operator. After
the molds have been filled and held
for a predetermined solidification pe-
riod, the vacuum is automatically
broken. The entire gate and vacuum
chamber containing the molds are
raised from the tapping ladle and the
molds are ready for the shake-out.
This machine is so designed and
constructed that it can be adapted to
a highly-mechanized production line.
For light weight castings, mold as-
semblies could be set up on indi-
vidual buggies and rolled under the
vacuum chamber at the rate of about
one a minute.
Although the operation of the ma-
chine is simple, the control mechan-
ism is quite extensive in order to
insure complete and reproducible
control. The vacuum system consists
of a series of automatic valves which
open and close the vacuum chamber
from the pumps. These valves are
interconnected to the interval timer
which controls the total vacuum time
by starting and closing a motor op-
erated valve. Adjustments can be
made on the valve mechanism to
obtain a wide range of filling rates
and vacuum valves.
This control makes it possible to
cast a great variety of alloys, both
ferrous and non-ferrous. The maxi-
mum vacuum used is determined by
the height through which the metal
must be raised from the ladle to fill
the mold. An excess vacuum equiva-
lent to a head of four to six inches of
steel is normally maintained.
The control over pouring condi-
tions that this process offers results
in many advantages which cannot be
obtained by conventional gravity-
casting methods. Primarily, the proc-
ess removes control over pouring
from an individual basis, with the
accompanying uncertainties of pour-
ing rate and pouring temperature
normally encountered in foundries,
and permits establishment of pre-
cisely regulated mechanical control
over this important operation.
The importance of controlled pour-
ing is recognized by all progressive
foundrymen and cannot be empha-
sized too strongly. For conventional
OCTOBER, 1947
11
Figure 3. Assembled sand molds preparatory to casting 112 landing-geai
scissors.
pouring, many elaborate gating sys-
tems are used in order to produce
molds with bottom gates. In the
Wetherill Counter -Gravity method
all molds are bottom gated, and since
the metal is sucked directly up into
the mold without an intermediate
down gate, a necessary evil in gravity
casting, turbulence and erosion of
molds are at an absolute minimum.
The filling by counter- gravity
methods eliminates the variation in
filling rate of the mold from bottom
to top, which occurs in conventional
pouring practices. By the constant
lifting effect of the vacuum, the filling
progresses at a uniformly smooth
rate; while in gravity pouring, the
mold starts to fill fast and, as the
head pressure decreases, the rate of
metal-rise in the mold decreases pro-
portionately. This condition may
often be the cause of misruns, i.e.,
failure to fill out the entire mold, par-
ticularly on castings which may be
poured too slowly and on the "cold"
side.
Actual pouring practice has been
experimentally determined for a va-
riety of castings, ranging in weight
from approximately 1 lb. to 100 lbs.
each. The filling rate is determined
by the design of the casting. A cast-
ing with very thin sections, for ex-
ample, can be filled more rapidly
than one with heavy sections. This
control over filling rate is especially
important for thin section castings
where mixrunning is a serious prob-
lem in conventional pouring. Many
castings found difficult to fill by grav-
ity pouring have been made with
comparative ease by the counter-
gravity method.
Because of the decrease in misrun
defects affected by the Wetherill
process, it has been possible to re-
design such castings as the brake
shoe head shown in Fig. 2. Sections of
this casting were decreased in metal
thickness from 1 4" and 3 16" to
1 8" without any increased scrap
loss, and service requirements were
still adequate. The weight of the cast-
ing was reduced from 13 pounds to
10 pounds at the same time. The per-
centage of good castings produced on
a series of six heats containing 24
brake heads each was 97 per cent. It
has been found that less than three
per cent defectives can be maintained
on this type of work.
The desirable functions of the at-
mospheric pressure riser may be em-
loyed advantageously on castings
requiring risers for filling by the use
of counter-gravity casting technique.
As the metal is drawn up into the
mold cavities, the partial vacuum in
the enclosed casting chamber keeps
the metal in the molds for the pre-
determined period. If the casting de-
sign is such that heavy sections re-
quire riser feeding, the vacuum cycle
will be set to hold the metal until
the gate is solidified. The vacuum is
then automatically released and at-
mospheric pressure acting on "Wil-
liams" or V-notch type riser 1 func-
tions to feed the casting.
Another desirable feature of the
counter-gravity process is the elim-
ination of entrapped gas porosity
caused by turbulence during filling.
The constant vacuum has the effect
of increased permeability sands be-
cause the gases are drawn out of the
mold at a rapid rate, and thus the
odds against gases being entrapped
in the mold to cause defects are
greatly diminished. The removal of
air and gases ahead of the metal re-
sults in an apparent increased fluidity
of the metal for a given casting tem-
perature, particularly in light section
castings. For this reason the lighter-
section, lower-weight castings can be
produced or lower pouring tempera-
tures can be used, resulting in better
casting surface.
In some instances, very desirable
fine grain structure and reduction of
coarse dendritic structures have been
obtained as a result of rapid chilling
of the metal in permanent or water-
cooled molds. Cylinders or tubing of
short lengths can be cast by the
counter -gravity process without
cores, and, thereby, centerline por-
osity, regardless of wall thickness or
alloy composition, can be eliminated.
When casting a cylinder, a water-
cooled mold can be used to great ad-
vantage to speed solidification and
production.
The mold is set up within the
vacuum chamber in the regular man-
ner and the mold cavity completely
filled with molten metal. Instead of
maintaining a vacuum until the gate
is solidified, the vacuum is released
after a predetermined period and
normal atmospheric pressure enters
the chamber. The center metal which
has not yet solidified at that time
(please turn to page 32)
1. This estimate is based on a 75,000 KW plant;
the "California" estimate is based upon a 300,000
KW plant. It does not appear, however, that the
difference between the estimates can be explained
in terms of the greater economy of a larger plant.
More likely, it reflects the different degrees of con-
servatism of the two groups of i
12
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
IF
^ ©
® W
m
a
What
Does
It
Mean
To
Our
Peacetime
Economy?
by Herbert A. Simon*
OCTOBER, 1947
(Author's note: The material for this paper was
gathered as part of a study of peacetime uses oi
atomic power being conducted by the Cowles Com-
mission for Research in Economics under the direc-
tion of Professor Jacob Marschak and Dr. Sam
Schurr. I am indebted to these and other colleagues
on the study for their help, but the conclusions set
forth here are my own.)
WE HAVE now entered Year
Three of the atomic age. Two
years have passed, and few of the
extravagant speculations in which
the commentators indulged in the
weeks after Hiroshima have yet been
realized. The bomb so far has not
taken mankind to Armageddon — al-
though current events offer little
comfort to those who would prefer
to postpone this spectacular event.
On the other hand, atomic energy
applied to the purposes of peace has
yet neither ushered in the era of
plenty nor realized the Utopian's
dream of a two-hour work day. Coal,
oil, gas, and water still supply the
energy that drives the machines.
Two years, of course, is a very
short time. No one familiar with the
numerous engineering problems that
must be solved in reducing basic sci-
entific discovery to practical applica-
tion has had any illusion that an
atomic power plant would become a
reality within such a short interval.
But what about the future? Although
the time schedule still seems to be a
matter of speculation, even among
the atomic scientists, the prospects
appear bright for a practical atomic
power plant within five or ten years.
If this goal is actually realized (and
assuming — optimistically — that the
bombs do not explode too soon),
what effects can we expect atomic
power to have upon our economy
during the first generation after it
has been introduced?
Prophecy on matters of this kind
is a risky business. Perhaps the best
the prophet can hope is that, before
his predictions are proved by events
to be incorrect, his prophecy will
have been forgotten. He is not al-
ways so lucky. The distinguished
physicist, Robert A. Millikan, writing
in the pages of Science for Septem-
ber 28, 1928, was bold enough to pre-
dict:
"The energy available . . .
through the disintegration of
13
radioactive, or any other, atoms
may perhaps be sufficient to
keep the corner peanut and pop-
corn man going, on a few street
corners in our larger towns for
a long time yet to come, but
that is all . . . The energy sup-
ply to man in the past has been
obtained wholly from the sun,
and a billion years hence he
will, I think, be supplying all
his needs for light, and warmth,
and power entirely from the
sun."
Professor Millikan s billion-year es-
timate was quoted in 1933 by Presi-
dent Hoover's Committee on Recent
Social Trends: and, now that the es-
timate has proved some 999,999.975
years too long, it still remains for all
to read in the clear type of that com-
mittee's report.
One other prefatory remark is in
order. The estimates contained in
this paper are not based on any "con-
fidential" information about atomic
energy. The writer is not in posses-
sion of any such information. The
facts that will be used as the basis for
prediction are contained in two pub-
lished estimates of the probable cost
of producing electricity in an atomic
power plant.
One of these estimates was pre-
pared by the staff of the Manhattan
Project and was published in Mr.
Bernard Baruch's initial report to the
United Nations. The other estimate
was prepared by an unofficial group
at the University of California, and
it is based primarily on general en-
gineering considerations rather than
on "inside" information from the sci-
entists actually engaged on the
atomic energy project.
In what form will atomic
energy he used?
Three possibilities for the use of
atomic energy have been widely dis-
cussed: the generation of electric
energy in an atomic power plant,
the use of direct heat from an atomic
pile, and the use of atomic energy in
some form to propel vehicles on land,
sea, or in air.
The first of these possibilities is
apparently the one of most immedi-
ate practicability, and it is perhaps
not too optimistic to expect that a
pilot plant will actually be construct-
ed within five years. What problems
of design are yet unsolved is a matter
on which the public can only conjec-
ture.
Direct heat from an atomic pile
might have important applications in
metallurgy and in the central heat-
ing of cities. It will be necessary to
devise materials, for use in the struc-
ture of the pile, that will not disin-
tegrate under a combination of high
temperature and radioactive bom-
bardment, and to devise a method
for transferring heat without trans-
ferring harmful radioactivity.
The possibility of powering auto-
mobiles, trains, airplanes, or boats
with atomic energy appears some-
what remote because of the shielding
problem. Until nuclear radiation can
be blocked by something lighter than
a four-foot concrete wall, we will
have to rely on more traditional
fuels for our transportation.
Since electric energy appears to be
the most likely atomic product in the
near future, we will be primarily con-
cerned in our discussion with this
particular application.
Atomic energy is not free energy
Some of the more extravagant pre-
dictions for the atomic era have been
based upon the misconception that
atomically-produced electricity will
be virtually free electricity. This idea
is entirely false.
Any engineer knows that the cost
of fuel is only a very small part of
the cost of electricity. We are al-
ready getting a substantial part of
our electricity from "free" fuel —
waterpower. But before falling water
can be transformed into electricity,
dams must be built, generating sta-
tions constructed, transmission lines
erected. The interest on the invest-
ment in these structures, their depre-
ciation and obsolescence, and their
maintenance and operating costs
must all be charged against the elec-
tric energy that is generated. Even
in a coal generating plant several
hundred miles from coal mines, the
fuel cost will amount to only about
2 mills per kilowatt hour gener-
ated out of a total generating cost of
4V2 to six mills.
In estimating the cost of atomic
energy, the fuel cost can be neglected
— regardless of the price of uranium
■ — since once the pile is in operation,
it will manufacture its own fuel.
Hence, the important question is:
what will be the capital investment
and operating cost of an atomic plant
in comparison with coal and hydro-
electric plants?
According to the "official" esti-
mate presented by Baruch, the capi-
tal investment in an atomic gener-
ating plant will be about $325 per
kilowatt generating capacity. 1 The
California group arrived at the much
more optimistic investment figure of
$130 per KW. Annual charges — in-
terest, depreciation, and obsolescence
— of not less than 10 per cent must
be assessed against this investment.
If we assume a load factor of 50 per
cent, each kilowatt of capacity will
generate 4,380 KWH of electricity
per year. With an annual charge of
$13 to $33 per KW, we get a gener-
ating cost — for fixed charges alone —
of 3 to 7.5 mills per KWH. To this
must be added operating and main-
tenance charges of not less than 1 or
1.5 mills per KWH.
Even if the more optimistic invest-
ment figure is the correct one, we see
that our electricity will cost 4 to 4.5
mills per KWH at the generating
station; while if the more conserva-
tive estimate is correct, it will cost
8.5 to 9 mills. Four mills is about the
cost of electricity at our most eco-
nomical hydro stations, and that is
not much below the cost of electric-
fp/eose turn to page 34)
14
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
SPECIAL STEELS FOR SPECIAL ABILITIES
by OTTO ZMESKAL*
MAN has known steel for thou-
sands of years, but alloy steels
have been known for scarcely a
century. The steel used by man for
so long a period is what is known as
simple carbon steel. Carbon is the
only essential alloying element. The
effect of this simple addition is so
potent that through its control man
has been able to fashion every article
and tool he has needed for a relative-
ly simple existence. The art had been
known since antiquity, but the sci-
ence came very slowly afterward.
The British Museum has a piece of
hardened steel found in the pyramids,
but Sorby first applied the micro-
scope to study of metals in 1864.
Man's material progress prior to
the nineteenth century was as a crawl
compared to the pace of his advance
since then. The industrial revolution
brought the age of specialization; spe-
cialties required enlargements of
abilities; special abilities required
special steels. "Tubal Cain his spear-
head wrought from ore he smelted
with the thorn and cactus tree," but
armor piercing projectiles must be
made from alloy steel.
The maximum hardness of a steel
is determined by its carbon content.
The soft malleable articles are made
of very low carbon steels; and, as the
hardness requirements are raised, the
carbon is increased. Additional hard-
ness and strength are obtainable in
the higher carbon steels by heat treat-
ment.
Even today, for many purposes
simple carbon steels are entirely sat-
isfactory. Where hardness, strength,
resistance to impact, and ductility,
all in a fairly narrow temperature
range around room temperature, are
required, they are the most economi-
cal steels for the purpose. The ma-
chines of our highly complex civiliza-
tion, however, have many compon-
ents that undergo unusual conditions.
Where strength, hardness, resistance
to impact, and ductility are required
either at high temperatures or at
low temperatures, simple carbon
steels are not satisfactory. Where
the corrosion resistance imparted by
painting, plating, or dipping is not
enough, simple carbon steels can not
be used. Where large parts must be
hardened throughout the section,
simple carbon steels will not do.
Although the many demands of
our highly mechanized existence re-
quire many special steels, all of these
steels may be classed into four basic
groups :
(1) Engineering alloy steels
(2) Tool steels
(3) Stainless steels
(4) Heat resisting steels
The engineering alloy steels com-
prise the group catalogued under the
S. A. E. four-number system; i. e.,
they are low in alloy content and
simple in composition. The total al-
loy content is under 5 per cent, and
the number of alloy elements rare-
ly exceeds 3 per cent (other than the
manganese and silicon present in
'M
High-speed steel must be hardened from a temperature close to its melting
point, but when this temperature is silghtly exceeded, the carbides migrate
to the grain boundaries and fuse. Upon solidification they assume this
skeleton-like shape.
OCTOBER, 1947
15
When tempered, the martensitic matrix ejects myriads of tiny carbides and
etches very dark. The corrosion resistant large carbides stand out in relief.
both alloy and simple carbon steels
for reducing the embrittling effect
of sulfur and oxygen). Their pur-
pose is primarily to increase the
depth of hardening.
When a steel is hardened through
in the quench (that is, no soft core
is produced) its mechanical proper-
ties on subsequent tempering are
much better than the like properties
of a steel incompletely hardened
through on the quench. Simple car-
bon steels have such high reaction
rates of transformation to a soft
structure during the intended hard-
ening that only a relatively thin skin
can be formed in the completely
hardened condition. The function of
the alloying elements in the engi-
neering alloy steels is to slow down
the softening reaction and thus per-
mit deeper hardening for a given
cooling rate.
Through methods originally de-
vised by Marcus Grossmann, director
of research of the Carnegie-Illinois
Steel Corporation, it is possible to
calculate the composition of steel
that should be ordered for a job,
knowing the size of section and the
nature of the hardening treatment to
be followed. This work, and it has
been verified fully by experiment,
has shown that small amounts of
several elements are of greater in-
fluence on promoting deep harden-
ing than a considerable amount of
a single element. The product of
war development, the N. E. steels
and their counterpart, the S. A. E.
eight-thousand series, are triple al-
loy steels, containing nickel chromi-
um and molybdenum. The element
giving the strongest hardenability
effect, as now known, is manganese;
and it is used to fortify the previ-
ously mentioned three.
Aside from increased depth of
hardening, certain alloy additions, as
vanadium, promote fine grain, which
markedly increases the shock resist-
ance of the hardened condition.
Simple carbon steels become very
brittle at low temperatures (the
cause of many welded-ship failures
in the North Atlantic during the past
war). Certain alloy additions, such
as molybdenum, markedly lower the
temperature at which this brittleness
occurs.
Salesmanship principally estab-
lished low alloy steels in the early
part of the present century and over-
sold certain compositions. War-time
research, however, has put the pur-
chase of these steels on a scientific
basis.
The first alloy tool steel was made
by Robert Mushet in 1868, and for
20 years this was the only alloy tool
steel made. Now there are many
different compositions available, fit-
ting the needs of our complex mech-
anization.
What was the power unleashed in
the early part of the nineteenth cen-
tury that started man on this on-
rush of material progress? The tools
made of simple carbon steel suited
his purposes for many thousands of
years, but now he was to need con-
stantly improving ones. Why was it
that this material progress became
so greatly accelerated and why is it
yet increasing in its acceleration?
Appropriately, Samuel F. B. Morse,
in the year 1844, sent these words in
the first telegraph message: "What
Hath God Wrought?"
Carbon tool steels could not keep
up with the pace of increasing cut-
ting speeds and feeds; and, in fact,
our best alloy tool steels will not be
able to take the pace of the near
future. Most of the new designs on
machine tools are based on the use
of cemented carbides, in which iron
exists only as a trace.
What did carbon tool steels lack?
In the first place, the factors that
make a tool steel are: first, its hard-
ness; second, its ability to keep that
hardness to a good measure at the
elevated temperatures experienced
in heavy or in high-speed cutting.
Increasing the carbon to 0.80 per
cent and above gives the requisite
hardness; but there is no resistance
on the part of carbon steels to soft-
ening by heat. The carbon atoms
move from the positions in the iron
atom lattice that is the hard struc-
ture to the positions of the softer
structures under the increase in en-
ergy resulting from heat. If the soften-
ing temperature is to be raised, other
kinds of atoms are required to hinder
16
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
this movement of the carbon atoms.
The most effective element is
tungsten, and the least effective is
iron itself. In general, the more com-
plex the constitution, that is, the
more different kinds of refractory
atoms in the lattice structure, with
more difficulty does the carbon atom
move; and the tools made from such
steels cut at higher temperatures.
The highly unsettled conditions in
China have made the price and sup-
ply of tungsten extremely variable.
Fortunately, we do not have to
depend on tungsten for this property.
Molybdenum, of which we produce
90 per cent of the world's supply
(and most of that from one moun-
tain in Colorado) is as effective as
tungsten. Also found in modern
high-speed tool steels are chromium,
vanadium, and cobalt. Although the
cutting properties of high-speed cut-
ting steels are somewhat proportion-
al to their alloy content, certain com-
positions have been found to give
optimum results. Giving the figures
in percentages, either 18 tungsten or
9 molybdenum, 4 chromium, 2 vana-
dium, and 10 cobalt is the most sat-
isfactory tool material of the iron
base alloys.
This steel, and steels similar in
composition, cut at a dull red heat.
By eliminating the iron and increas-
ing the chromium, tungsten, cobalt,
and carbon, a material is obtained
(non- workable tools can be cast to
shape) that will cut at a bright red
heat.
Basically, the cutting tool should
consist of hard diamond-like par-
ticles supported in a hard matrix
that will stay hard at elevated tem-
peratures. The hardest particles are
the carbides, borides, and nitrides of
tungsten, molybdenum, titanium,
and vanadium. The best matrix is
none at all, but a tool material can-
not be made of hard particles alone;
they must be bonded. The most sat-
isfactory binder is cobalt. When the
hard particles are present to about
90 per cent of the structure, we have
the tool material for greatest produc-
tion, the cemented carbide.
The die steels are also a part of
the tool steel classification. The basic
composition for a good cutting steel
is also satisfactory for a good die
steel. For cold die work, such as in
shearing, high chromium steels are
mainly used, principally because of
their lower cost. For hot die work,
such as in extrusion, the composition
depends upon the temperature, the
amount of tungsten and chromium
increasing with the service require-
ments. Because extreme hardness is
not needed in the die steels for hot
work, the carbon is lowered to one-
third of its value in cutting steels;
this also increases the ability to
withstand thermal shock.
The stainless steels have also con-
tributed greatly to man's comfort
and well-being. The immense chem-
ical and food industries could not
have developed to their present sta-
ture, supplying good things for all
men to enjoy, had not stainless steels
been available in quantity.
The principal element of steel —
iron — is very readily attacked by
many substances. When chromium
is dissolved in the iron, the resulting
alloy has increased resistance to at-
tack; when the ratio of iron atoms to
chromium atoms in solution is under
11 to 1, the resulting alloy steel is
immune to atmospheric attack, to
oxidizing acids like nitric, and to
many food acids. As the amount of
chromium increases so does the cor-
rosion resistance.
For the milder corrosive condi-
tions, such as encountered in the
steam turbine, steel containing 12
per cent chromium in solution is en-
tirely satisfactory. Notice the em-
phasis on chromium in solution; for,
the chromium out of solution might
as well not be there for all the good
it does in enhancing the steel's cor-
rosion resistance. How can the chro-
mium get out of solution? Carbon
is the answer. Chromium and car-
bon are such good friends that they
get together instantly when in sight
of each other. The only way to break
up this union is to use very high
temperatures; and, if the carbon is
high enough, the steel will melt be-
fore all the chromium leaves the car-
(please turn to page 42)
rw
As Quenched High Speed Steel (1000 X) contains diamond-hard particles
of carbides embedded in a hard (martensitic) matrix.
OCTOBER, 1947
Excerpts from
Institute Of Gas Technology
nine companies amounted to more
than $5,400 and special contributions
from six companies totaled $53,500.
Membership dues and contributions
amounted to more than $125,000.
Education
The educational program, which
A f Q 1 IO>f7 /fO was nomma Uy suspended in Febru-
AnnUQl KepOn /y4/-40 ary 1944 because of a change in
by ELMORE S. PETTYJOHN'
THE Institute of Gas Technology
completed its sixth year of opera-
tion on August 31. The year's de-
velopments included several that
were significant and auspicious.
Among these was a substantial in-
crease in the Institute's participation
in the gas production research pro-
gram of the American Gas Associa-
tion. Most satisfactory contractual
relations, together with a more com-
plete recognition of the needs of the
Institute, have been developed with
the association.
During the last 12 months, the In-
stitute has moved further in the di-
rection of accomplishing the purposes
for which it was established. While
definite progress has been made, the
Institute has continued to be handi-
capped by shortages in personnel and
equipment, an aftermath of the war.
The improvement in the financial
position is shown in the accompany-
ing charts.
The first, presenting the sources of
gross income, shows the effect of the
shifting of the research program into
the gas field largely as a result of the
splendid three-year program spon-
sored by the American Gas Associa-
tion post-war planning committee
and developed by the special com-
mittee on gas industry research and
promotional plan.
The second, presenting the in-
crease in assets, shows the rapid im-
provement in current assets with the
termination of the war and the ac-
companying stabilization of the In-
stitute's research, the latter again
largely effected through the research
program of the American Gas Asso-
ciation.
Improvement in financial position
is a direct result of the continued
support by members of the gas indus-
try. The associate members and con-
tributors who have supported and
are still supporting the Institute are
listed in Table I. Membership dues
from 60 utility companies, appliance
manufacturers, and ancillary com-
panies totaled approximately $67,-
000 during the past year. In this same
period, general contributions from
selective service regulations, was re-
established with the fall semester of
1946. Former fellows, who had with-
drawn to enter the armed services or
governmental activities, were con-
tacted to determine their desire to
participate in the program upon its
re-activation. From the replies re-
ceived, eight former fellows and two
new candidates were enrolled. The
first postwar class consisted of one
doctoral candidate, one refresher, and
seven masters candidates. At the end
of the first semester, the refresher
candidate, Thomas L. Pelican, com-
pleted his course work and was em-
ployed as a gas engineer by the Nat-
ural Gas Pipe Line Company of
America in Chicago.
A
SOURCES OF GROSS INCOME
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 0UES
CONTRIBUTIONS
^
ORGANIC SULFUR RESEARCH
AMERICAN GAS ASSN.
5S GAS PRODUCTION RESEARCH
DOMESTIC GAS RESEARCH
AMERICAN GAS ASSN.
NATURAL GAS RESEARCH
Chart I
Gas Technology.
Fiscal 1941-42 June 1-Aug. 31
Periods 1942-47 Sept. 1-Aug. 31
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
TABLE I
Roster of Associate Me
August 31, 1947
Amarillo Gas Co.
American Stove Co
Atlanta Gas Light
Autogas Co.
Bastian-Morley Co
aw-Kr
Co.
Boston Consolidated Gas Co.
Bridgeport Gas Light Co.
Brooklyn Union Gas Co.
Bryant Healer Co.
Cambridge Gas Light Co.
Central Hudson Gas and Electric (
Cincinnati Gas and Electric Corp.
Coast Counties Gas and Electric G
Colorado Interstate Gas Co.
Columbian Carbon Co.
Columbia Engineering Co.
Connelly Iron and Sponge Governc
Consolidated Gas Electric Light an
Continental Carbon Co.
Derby Gas and Electric Co.
Dresser Industries
E. I. du Pont de Nemo
East Ohio Gas Co.
Globe-American Corp.
Hartford Gas Co.
Hope Natural Gas Co.
Hope Producing Co.
Houston Natural Cas (
I ■ > I ;j 1 1 • I Steel Co.
I Co.
Interstate Natural Cas Co.
Lone Star Gas Co.
Michigan Consolidated Gas Co.
Minneapolis Gas Light Co.
Mississippi River Fuel Corp.
New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Co
New York State Natural Gas Corp.
Ohio Gas Light and Coke Co.
Pacific Lighting Corp.
Peoples Natural Gas Co.
Pittsburgh Consolidation Coal Co.
Portland Gas and Coke Co.
Rochester Gas and Electric Co.
Rockland Gas Co.
Rockwell Manufacturing Co.
Geo. D. Roper Co.
Seattle Gas Co.
Servel, Inc.
Southern California Gas Co.
Southern Counties Gas Co.
Standard Gas Equipment Corp.
Surface Combustion Corp.
Titan Valve and Manufacturing Co.
Cities I„l
Co.
United Gas Pipe Line Co.
Warren Petroleum Corp.
Washington Cas Light Co.
West Texas Gas Co.
Roster of Contributors
Sept. 1, 1946 — Aug. 31, 1947
• Gas Light Co.
ce Cas and Electric Co.
H. Lerch. Jr.
Maiden and Melrose Gas Light Co
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.
Peoples Gas Light * Coke Co.
Pittsburgh Consolidation Coal Co.
Rochester Cas and Electric Co.
Williams Brothers Co.
Worcester County ar d Electric Co.
grees of master of science and doctor
of philosophy in gas technology may
be met. The curriculum has been re-
vised to provide a more precise pres-
entation of the material required by
the by-laws of the Institute. More in-
formation is presented in the 1947-
48 catalog.
The instruction in utilization has
been enlarged through the use of out-
side lecturers and afternoon classes
in the service school and appliance
testing laboratory of the Peoples Gas
Light and Coke Company.
The former practice of having
semi-monthly seminars addressed by
recognized leaders in various phases
of the Gas Industry and by members
of the research staff has been re-
established. Last year students and
staff had the very fortunate oppor-
tunity of listening to the following:
Harry E. Bates, Powell Cooper,
Fenton Finn, Mark Fred, Edwin L.
Hall, Marvin F. Johnson, and Frank
H. Lerch, Jr.
Library
Every effort is being made to pro-
vide a library that is unsurpassed in
The present roster of students and
the degrees granted by Illinois In-
stitute of Technology to students who
completed their work at the Institute
of Gas Technology are shown in
Tables II and III. Progress in stu-
dent enrollment is shown in the
accompanying chart. An examination
of this chart will show the impact of
the war upon the educational pro-
gram, an impact which almost de-
stroyed its effectiveness. The re-
establishment of the educational pro-
gram was made possible largely by
contributions by companies and in-
dividuals for fellowships and educa-
tional purposes. Such contributions
have been set aside in a special edu-
cational reserve, and the amounts
withdrawn for fellowship stipends
and institutional fees have been trans-
ferred from this fund to income as
required.
Dr. Joseph D. Parent is in active
charge of the educational program.
He is working with the graduate com-
mittee of Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology to coordinate the instruction
so that the requirements for the de-
INCREASE IN ASSETS
PLANT INVESTMENT.
(AT COST)
CURRENT ASSETS
(CASH PLUS ACC'TS REC
MINUS ACC'TS PAYA8LE)
FELLOWSHIP RESERVE
PREPAID MEMBERS DUES
□
MEMBERS CONTRACTS (PLEDGED BUT NOT YET DUE)
400,000
200,000 -
tm,-
'Vy//
11.
m
iiimiii
m
11
Chart II
Fiscal
Periods
1941-42 June 1-Aug. 31
1942-47 Sept. 1-Aug. 31
OCTOBER, 1947
19
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
□
T YEAR
2ND YEAR
n
Chart III
Program Terminated 2-26-44
by Selective Service
Re-established 9-23-47
the field of Gas Technology and re-
lated subjects. Much has already
been achieved in this direction. Prac-
tically all important manufacturer's
literature, patents, and American and
foreign periodicals and books which
are pertinent to the Gas Industry are
to be found here. Further, subject
files are being built up for topics of
special interest to members of the
Gas Industry. Some foreign publica-
tions which are extremely difficult to
obtain are available on micro-film.
A Recordak micro-film reader is on
hand for use with this material.
In addition to collecting scientific
publications pertinent to the Gas In-
dustry for the use of the students and
technical staff of the Institute and
representatives of member com-
panies, the Institute offers certain
services to its member companies to
fulfill its objective of collecting and
disseminating information.
One of the most important services
rendered by the Library is the prep-
aration of the monthly Gas Ab-
stracts. New books, patents, and pe-
riodicals are reviewed, and those con-
taining information of importance to
the Industry are abstracted by the
members of the research staff. Gas
20
Abstracts is sent free to member
companies; it may be obtained by
others for a nominal fee. An annual
index, arranged both by author and
subject, is published. Articles in the
literature reviewed are micro-filmed
upon request. Also, bibliographies,
translations and literature surveys
are prepared upon request. If the
survey involves an analysis and crit-
ical evaluation of data, equipment,
or methods, a member of the research
staff is assigned to the task. Thus, a
survey and critical evaluation of all
data relating to the hydrates of the
hydrocarbons, together with an
analysis of the patents from the en-
gineering point of view, has recently
been completed for the National Gas
Department of the American Gas
Association by a member of the re-
search staff.
Facilities
Space occupied by the Institute
has been limited to the area avail-
able in 1946, because of the large in-
flux of students at Illinois Tech. This
limitation has made it necessary to
utilize all of the ground area to its
maximum loading. New equipment
on order will result in even further
crowding. Limited space has required
the disassembly of research equip-
ment as soon as a project is completed
and has necessitated the re-erection
of new facilities on the old site. In
some instances, this has proven to be
a wasteful procedure but one which
can be avoided only by increasing
the floor area available to the Insti-
tute. These increasing needs again
have raised the desirability of ob-
taining a new and modern research
building for the Institute. Some pre-
liminary sketches of such a building
have been prepared and cost esti-
mates have been made.
The American Gas Association has
undertaken to solicit its membership
for contributions to a building fund
for the Gas Institute. This campaign
is in progress at present and the very
early returns indicate a generous re-
sponse. When the necessary funds
are secured, erection of a new build-
ing on the south side of 34th street
can be started. To broaden the scope
of the Institute's work, it is absolute-
ly essential that the following lab-
oratories be equipped and manned:
High Pressure, Low Temperature,
Gas Standards, Spectophotometry,
Physical Measurements, Physical
Testing of Coal and Coke, and Uti-
lization.
The Institute's present facilities do
not provide sufficient space to ac-
commodate more than a small frac-
tion of the equipment necessary for
these laboratories. This lack of space
and equipment for research and de-
velopment and the additional lack of
adequate housing for the student pro-
gram are the major reasons for em-
phasizing the necessity of a new
building at this time.
Research Pregram
During the current fiscal year, the
research activities of the Institute
have been carried forward in three
major groupings: (a) American Gas
Association research, (b) sponsored
research and tests, and (c) basic re-
search.
The work for the Gas Production
Research Committee has been con-
centrated largely upon the solution
of the peak load problem. This prob-
lem has been attacked at three points.
(please turn fo page 46)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
a TELEPHONE engineer
Here we see his tools —
His head
And his hands.
He may have emphasized electronics or mechanics
Or some other of the many engineering specialties,
But, more important,
He knows his mathematics and science.
He has the engineer's viewpoint and approach —
The ability to see things through.
He's a lot of engineers rolled into one.
He's happy in his work
And his future looks good.
He's a telephone engineer.
BELL TELEPHONE SYSTEM
OCTOBER, 1947
21
German Publications
Since the End of the War
by F. K. RICHTER*
AN EXACT account of what has
^^ been going on within the realm
of German letters since the end of
the conflict can be given only if we
limit our subject. For this reason all
literature of German refugees is
omitted here, since it is easily avail-
able. Scholarly essays and theses are
also outside of the field of our in-
vestigation.
The most obvious fact about new
books from Switzerland, Germany
and Austria is the considerable num-
ber of new editions and selections of
already known and established lit-
erature and of modern writers. There
is Tristan^ very pleasantly retold in
prose, and there are fine selections
of Silesius, Goethe, Holderlin, Claud-
ius, and Stifter, and of moderns such
as Trakl. Heym, Morgenstern, and
Hesse. Many of these works were
published in the series Poetry of Con-
solation, Lasting Letters of All
Times". The title may indicate that,
in these times of national disaster,
this particular literature seems to
give the most comfort and consola-
tion to the German people. The au-
thors themselves appear to be espe-
cially akin to today's German through
their own troubled lives. (Silesius'
homeland was devastated by wars,
and Holderlin, Stifter, Trakl, and
Heym lived tragically or became in-
sane or committed suicide.)
A second category of books deals
with the events of recent years. These
can be divided into several groups.
There are, first, a considerable num-
ber of journalistic accounts, written
close to the occurrence at the time
of the event or shortly afterwards;
these do not go much beyond mere
fact-recording. The diaries of Am-
bassador von Hassell :l belong to this
group and seem to be particularly
informative and moving. Beginning
at the Munich Conference, these di-
aries continue until shortly before
July 20, 1944, the day of the "putsch"
against Hitler, which Hassell helped
prepare. Often the memos were
* Associate professor of modern languages, de-
triment of language, literature, and philosophy,
'inois Institute of Technology.
jotted down on trips, quite sketchily
and using fictitious names for the
major figures.
Indignation and shame flow out of
the work about things that were done
in the name of his nation, and it is
easy to follow the diplomat as he
endeavored to prevent the war or to
finish it as soon as possible by in-
forming representatives of foreign
powers about the final Nazi plans.
This serious matter is interwoven
with delightful anecdotes which Has-
sell actually experienced on his vari-
ous trips through the Reich — anec-
dotes which may indicate to some
extent the true feelings of the various
classes of the population.
The book Officers Against Hitler
by Fabian von Schlabrendorff 4 also
contains much informative material.
It is not so detailed and variegated,
however, as that of Hassel. Schlabren-
22
dorff concentrates largely on the
preparations for the coup of July 20.
In addition to this information^in-
formation which seems to make us
modify somewhat our hostile atti-
tude toward the leading German
Army officials — I find the descrip-
tion of Hitler particularly good: a
man, equipped with an almost dia-
bolic foresight, sensing attacks upon
his life, and foreseeing national dis-
aster. Those books by Hassel and
Schlabrendorff render service to
present-day Germany by indicating
that there was resistance against Hit-
ler in diplomatic as well as in army
circles.
A third book of information comes
to us from a poet, Ernst Wiechert.
Unlike the attitudes of the officer or
the diplomat, the poet reports only
about himself, his fate, and his im-
pressions. He calls his work, The
Forest of The Dead-', a report. Al-
though Wiechert intends it to be
nothing more than a report, it never-
theless projects itself into the next
group of recent German publications,
which tries to interpret events and
seeks meaning behind them. Johan-
nes, which is Wiechert's name for
himself in this book, overcomes the
misery of his months in Buchenwald
— and, in fact, his whole period of his-
tory — through his passive attitude of
accepting suffering.
To this attitude he had come after
many years of spiritual struggle. In
the acceptance of suffering he sees
the only possibility of lightening his
fate; he believes that in so doing he
forces God to grant relief. When
Wiechert left Buchenwald, someone
in the barracks remarked, "When he
came here, his face looked like a rock,
and as he leaves, it looks the same."
(please turn to page 50)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Because photography can condense . . .
Tiny as it is, that little rectangle "stage center"
is this ad . . . condensed by microfilming's magic.
Condensed yet all there — ready to be brought back
to original size. Photography can reduce — tremen-
dously — without losing a detail.
As a business or professional man, you can utilize
photography's reducing ability in important ways.
You can utilize it to save space ... to speed refer-
ence. With Recordak microfilming, you can "de-
bulk" files 98% . . . keep the film records at hand
for quick viewing, full-size, in a Recordak Reader.
You can utilize it to make sales presentations more
complete, more resultful. With motion pictures, you
can "pack" a plow, a plant, a whole process into a
small can of film . . . travel it where you will . . . show
it off "large as life" and much more dramatically.
Only a suggestion . . . this ... of what photography
can do because it can condense. For a better picture
of the applicational possibilities that stem from this
and other unique characteristics of photography,
write for "Functional Photography."
Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester 4, N.Y. jjml
Functional Photography
is advancing business and
industrial technics.
Kodak
<^\
Master skyscrapers would rise near super-highway outlets. The interior
buildings would then grow obsolete and would not be replaced.
Skyscrapers...
(continued from page 8)
the most favorable annual return an-
ticipated in 1929 was 10.25 per cent
on a $39, 142,000 investment in a
63-story structure, the largest return
to be expected on a 1950 building
is 3.61 per cent for the 50-story
structure costing $34,593,000.
It becomes clear then that the rush
to build skyscrapers in the late twen-
ties was motivated by the expecta-
tion of a nearly usurious return. The
collapse of that investment bubble
was so complete that most of the
buildings had to be placed in re-
ceivership. Now, after having found
the probable return to be 3.5 per
cent on the investment in a building
to be opened in 1950, we need not
ask why investment groups are apa-
thetic toward skyscraper construc-
tion.
The possibility of a depression,
during which several annual deficits
might develop, will probably keep
investors away from the skyscraper
market until an increase in rentals
or a decrease in construction and op-
eration costs brings the predicted re-
turn up to at least 5 per cent. At
that rate of return, the construction
of a skyscraper might compare fa-
vorably as an investment possibility
with blue-chip stocks or industrial
bonds. Large-scale housing and sky-
scraper construction have to com-
pete for the investor's dollar with
business and industrial investments
because money in a free economy
continually seeks the greatest prob-
able return.
We have concluded that the cal-
culated prospect of return on the in-
vestor's dollar does not now forecast
the raising of great skyscrapers. Le
Corbusier explains that the erection
of additional skyscrapers placed at
random in the constricted kernel of
a metropolitan area would choke its
already swarming streets beyond re-
lief.
His shocking observation that we
have as yet developed only one en-
tirely successful means of transpor-
tation — the vertical elevator — places
emphasis upon our greatest metro-
politan problem. Perhaps by a kind-
ly economic fate we shall be saved
from desperately damaging our own
future. It will be fortunate if we
build few skyscrapers until engineers
have reduced the traffic glut of super-
saturated streets.
American industrial civilization is
dependent upon the automobile, but
the building matrix of American
cities had solidified before 1900,
when traffic consisted of vehicles
moving four or five miles per hour
and the metropolitan populations
encompassed less than one-half of
their present millions. Depressed or
elevated superhighways will even-
tually speed traffic through or over
residential areas, but no engineeding
plan has yet been detailed that will
move traffic smartly into and
through a central business district
where the motor deluge equals that
of the Chicago Loop.
Le Corbusier's replacement of
present city blocks by a greater grid
system of quarter- or half-mile
squares serviced only by elevated
superhighways neglects the fact that
present buildings cannot be aban-
doned; nor can the first one of his
master skyscrapers be built until a
superhighway system is devised to
service it.
Elevated superhighways such as
the Congress Street development in
Chicago are under way. When an ele-
vated superhighway is completed, it
will provide exceptional traffic serv-
ice to those buildings near its traf-
fic outlets. New skyscrapers may
then become good investments when
placed where the solution of the traf-
fic problem raises the rental value.
To attract a high rental, the in-
Approximate outlines of eight build-
ings studied in "The Skyscraper"
and re-estimated for 1950 costs.
24
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Smorgasbord
for
Boilers...
Coal, gas, and oil (fired singly or in combination)
are regular items on today's menu for B&W boilers.
Occasional entrees include: grain hulls, wood chips,
asphalt, sewage sludge, by-products of paper mills,
steel plants and sugar mills... just about anything
that burns. So B &W builds boilers and combustion
equipment that burn what's available today . . .
likely to be available tomorrow ... at top efficiency.
Helping power plants to get the most from avail-
able fuels is only one of the things long years have
taught B&W to do well. Industry otfers examples
of many others — proof of the imaginative engineer-
ing at B&W.
Through this policy of continuous development
and research, B&W offers excellent career oppor-
tunities to technical graduates . . .in diversified fields
of manufacturing, engineering, sales and research.
THE BABCOCK & WILCOX CO.
85 LIBERTY STREET
NEW YORK 6, N.Y,
vestor may decide that convenient
indoor parking will be essential; and
he may enlarge the design of the
structure to provide for automobiles.
If not, he should be helped to reach
this decision by a proper city ordi-
nance.
As other superhighways are built,
Le Corbusier's greater grid system
may develop naturally with the
greatest commercial sky habitations
located at the intersections of such
superhighways, where traffic can
readily reach the building from any
direction. In the end, the lower grid
of present streets within the busi-
ness district may gradually become
almost the exclusive property of
street railways or busses and slow
moving commercial vehicles.
When this stage approaches, it
seems clear that buildings not con-
nected to the elevated superhighway
grid will depreciate in value, and
when obsolete they may not be re-
built. At reasonable cost, the city
might then purchase such internal
properties and begin the develop-
ment of the ideal green city.
Private enterprise works less spec-
tacularly than planned economies,
but it is continuously at work. One
of its tests is approaching, for we
can neither long forget nor even-
tually fail to find an open way
around the traffic quagmire which
has become the gravest physical
problem of metropolitan life.
Augustus rebuilt Rome and the
Napoleons Paris by imperial dic-
tate. If capitalism is to rebuild Chi-
cago and New York without govern-
mental dictum, it must become sen-
sitized not to economic law alone
but also to the desires of society.
The Field Building, Chicago.
COMMERCIAL LIGHTING
EQUIPMENT
MARINE WIRING DEVICES
Multi Electrical Mfg. Co.
4223-43 W. Lake St., Chicago 24, III.
OCTOBER, 1947
25
National Electronic
November 3-5, Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicac
Monday, November 3
9:00 A. M. Registration
Edgewater Beach Hotel
10:15 A.M. General Meeting
Keynote Address by President George D. Stoddard,
University of Illinois
"Electronics Comes of Age" by L. V. Berkner, Joint
Research and Development Board
12:15 P. M. Luncheon Meeting
Speaker : W. Evans, Vice President of Westinghouse
Electric Corp.
2:00 P. M. Technical Sessions
1. NOISE SUPPRESSION, DISTORTION
(a) "Dynamic Noise Suppressor" by H. H
Scott, Technology Instrument Corp.
(b) "Intermodulation Method of Distortion
Measurement" by W. J. Warren, Univ. of
Santa Clara and Hewlett-Packard Co.,
and W. R. Hewlett, Hewlett-Packard Co.
(c) "S/N Ratio in AM Receivers" by E. C.
Fubini and D. C. Johnson, Airborne In-
struments Lab., Inc.
Id) "Corona Discharge at High Altitude and
Low Temperature" by H. j. Dana, State
College of Washington
2. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION I
Chairman: M. F. Behar, Editor of Instruments
(a) "Self Balancing Thermistor Bridge" by C.
C. Bath and H. Goldberg, Bendix Radio
Corp.
(b) "Variable Ratio Inductance Bridges and
Networks" by Paul Glass and Sylvia May
Dushkes, Askania Regulator Co.
(c) "A Miniature Gastro-manometer for
Electrical Recording" by H. C. Roberts,
University of Illinois
(d) "Short-Time Oscillography" by Jean V.
Lebacqz, Johns Hopkins University
(e) "Luminescent Screens for Cathode-Ray
Oscillography" by Carl Feldt, A. B. Du-
Mont Labs., Inc.
3. COAXIAL ELEMENTS AND MICROWAVES
(a) "Bead Supported Coaxial Attenuator
(4000 to 10,000 mc.l" by J. W. E.
Griemsmann and H. J. Carlin, Microwave
Research Institute, Polytechnic Institute
of Brooklyn
(b) "Wave Propagation in Beaded Lines" by
R. E. Beam, Northwestern University
(c) "Coaxial Elements and Connectors" by
W. R. Thurston, General Radio Co.
Id) "Broadband Matching of Impedances"
by R. M. Fano, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology
(e) "Broadband Bolometer Type UHF Power
Meters' by M. J. DiToro, Polytechnic In-
stitute of Brooklyn
4. OPERATION OF ELECTRONIC RESEARCH
Chairman: J. E. Hobson, Armour Research
Foundation
(a) "Organization and Management of Elec-
tronic Research" by R. M. Bowie, Sylvania
Electric Co.
lb) "Electronic Research in the University"
by L. T. DeVore, University of Illinois
(c) "Electronic Research in the Research In-
stitute" by G. E. Ziegler, Midwest Re-
search Institute
Id) "Electronic Research in the Government
Service" by Archibald S. Brown, Wright
Field
7:00 P. M. Banquet — Marine Dining Room
Edgewater Beach Floor Show and Dancing. (La-
dies cordially invited, informal )
Tuesday, November 4
9:00 A.M. Technical Sessions
5. MICROWAVES
(a) "Higher Mode Techniques for Wave
Guides" by M. W. Goodhue, Polytechnic
Research and Development Co.
(b) "Multiplex Transmission Through Wave
Guides Using Higher Order Modes" by
R. R. Buss, W. A. Hughes, H. D. Ross and
A. B. Bronwell, Northwestern University
(c) "Microwave Spectroscopy" by D. K. Coles
and W. E. Good, Westinghouse Electric
Corp.
(d) "Noise Reduction in Radar and Com-
munications" by S. Goldman, Massachu-
setts Institute of Technology
6. Joint session of National Electronics Confer-
ence and AIEE, program arranged by the AIEE
7. COMPUTERS
(a) "Electronic Computers" by J. W. Mauck-
ly and J. P. Eckert, Jr., Electronic Control
Co.
lb) "Storage of Numbers on Magnetic Tape"
by J. M. Coombs, Engineering Research
Associates
(c ) "Computers for Aeronautical Navigation"
by Hugo Schuck, Minneapolis-Honeywell
Co.
■8. ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS I
(a) "Cathode Tap, Cathode Follower Ampli-
fiers" by B. B. Underhill, Penn State
College
(b) "Low Power Frequency Multipliers" by
R. J. Schwarz, Columbia University
(c) "Series Mode Quartz Crystal Oscillator
Circuit" by H. Goldberg and E. L. Crosby,
Jr., Bendix Radio Corp.
12:15 P.M. Luncheon Meeting
Speaker: B. D. Hull, Chief Engineer, Southwestern
Bell; President, AIEE; "An American Engineer-
ing Association"
26
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Conference
2:00 P.M. Technical Sessions
9. NEW DEVELOPMENTS
(a) "Ultrasonic Guidance of the Blind" by F.
H. Slaymaker and W. F. Meeker, Strom-
berg-Carlson
(b) "Heatless Preservation with Penetrating
Electrons from the Capacitron" by W.
Huber, Electronized Chemicals Corp.
(c) "Citizens Radio Service" by R. E. Sam-
uelson, Hallicrafters Co.
(d) "General Trends in Foreign Electronic De-
velopments" by A. H. Sullivan, Jr., Wright
Field
10. INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(a) "Electronic Half-tone Engraver" by John
Boyajian, Fairchild Camera and Instru-
ment Corp.
(b) "Electronic Servomechanism Testing Ma-
chine" by H. W. Katz, University of Il-
linois
(c) "Sealed Ignitrons for Radio Transmitter
Power Supplies" by H. E. Zuvers, General
Electric Co.
(d) "Single Phase Controlled Rectifier and
Inverter Circuits" by C. M. Wallis, Uni-
versity of Missouri
11. ANTENNAS
(a) "High Gain with Discone Antennas" by A.
G. Kandoian, W. Sichak and R. A. Felsen-
held, Federal Telecommunication Lab.,
Inc.
(b) "Slot Antennas" by N. E. Lindenblad,
Radio Corporation of America
(c) "Measurement of Aircraft Antenna Pat-
terns in Flight" by J. S. Prichard, Air-
borne Instruments Lab., Inc.
(d) "Transmission Frequencies for Line of
Sight Systems" by L. S. Schwartz, Naval
Research Lab.
12. NUCLEONICS
(a) "Mass Spectrometer Type Leak Detec-
tor" by R. F. Wall, Texas A. & M. College
(b) "Scintillation Counter" by J. W. Colt-
man, Westinghouse Electric Corp.
(c) "Precision Studies of Nuclear Reactions"
by W. E. Shoupp, Westinghouse Electric
Corp.
Wednesday, November 5
9:00 A. M. Technical Sessions
13. MILITARY APPLICATIONS OF
ELECTRONICS
(a) "Guided Missiles" by W. N. Brown, jr.,
Haller, Raymond and Brown
(b) "Telemetry System for Guided Missiles"
by L. J. Neelands and Walter Hausz, Gen-
eral Electric Co.
(c) "Foreign Developments in Infrared" by
E. A. Underhill, Wright Field
(d) "Foreign Vacuum Tubes and High Fre-
quency Techniques" by B. L. Griffing,
Wright Field
OCTOBER, 1947
A national forum on electronic research,
development, and application, sponsored by-
Illinois Institute of Technology, Northivestern
University, the University of Illinois, the
American Institute of Electrical Engineers,
and the Institute of Radio Engineers, with
the cooperation of the Chicago Technical
Societies Council,
14. COMMUNICATIONS
(a) "Teleran, A Technical Progress Report"
by R. W. K. Smith, D. H. Ewing and H.
J. Schrader, Radio Corporation of Amer-
ica
(b) "Crystal Saver" by W. R. Hedeman, Jr.,
Bendix Radio Corp.
(c ) "Pulse Count Modulation" by D. D. Grieg
and S. Metzger, International Telephone
and Telegraph Corp.
(d) "Air Traffic Control" by W. D. White,
Airborne Instruments Lab., Inc.
15. BASIC SCIENCE
(a) "Semi-Conductors" by K. Lark-Horovitz,
Purdue University
(b) "Dynamic Properties of the Infrared Ce-
sium Arc" by J. M. Frank and W. S. Hux-
ford, Northwestern University
(c) "Supersonic Detection of Infrared Modu-
lation" by F. J. Fry and W. J. Fry, Univer-
sity of Illinois
(d) "Microwave Scattering" by R. T. Gabler,
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
16. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
(a) "High Frequency Operation of Fluores-
cent Lamps" by J. H. Campbell and B. D.
Bedford, General Electric Co.
(b) "Magnetostriction Torquemeter" by C.
M. Rifenberg and E. H. Schulz, Armour
Research Foundation
(c) "Saturable Core Magnetometer Applica-
tions" by W. E. Tolles, Airborne Instru-
ments Lab., Inc.
2:00 P.M. Technical Sessions
17. TELEVISION
(a) "The Chromoscope, A New Color Televi-
sion Viewing Tube" by A. B. Bronwell,
Northwestern University
(b) "Color in Television Cathode Ray Tubes"
by E. B. Fehr, General Electric Co.
(c) "A Modern Television Transmitter" by
C. D. Kentner, Radio Corporation of
America
(d) "Monitoring Equipment for Television
Broadcast" by M. Silver, Federal Tele-
communication Lab., Inc.
18. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION II
(a) "High Resolving Power Infrared Record-
ing Spectrometer" by R. C. Ne'son and
W. R. Wilson, Northwestern University
(b) "The Phase Meter" by E. O. Vandeven,
General Electric Co.
(c) "Accurate Measurement of Relative
Phase" by R. Glaser, Massachusetts In-
stitute of Technology
27
English . . .
(continued from page 9)
Tech. (It is not the custom of I.I.T.'s
English department to be repre-
sented.) This group gave its attention
to several major educational issues,
and gave a corporate answer and
emphasis hardly to be found else-
where in the profession of teaching
English at the college level.
Research or teaching?
Every university teacher is con-
fronted with the problem of striking
a balance in his own practice between
duties as a pedagogue and duties as
a productive scholar. It is hardly a
secret to anyone, unless possibly to
the taxpayers and philanthropists,
that the universities exalt research
above class-room teaching. It is a rare
man who gives himself generously
and fruitfully both to the needs of
the undergraduate students before
him and to the demands of intensive
personal investigation. Therefore,
most universities do their best teach-
ing at the graduate level, where re-
search and teaching can function to-
gether.
Teachers of undergraduates are
characteristically apprentices work-
ing on doctoral dissertations, or jour-
neymen or masters primarily con-
cerned with "their own work," schol-
arly investigations which have little
connection with their teaching but
which are the principal, if not the
only, means of winning the favor of
administrators. They have a per-
petual issue before them: How poor
a job of undergraduate teaching will
my department head or my con-
science permit me to do? Often
conscience gets little help from the
department head or dean.
With English teachers of the
A.S.E.E., this question of research or
teaching is not answered as it is in the
universities' main-line English de-
partments. The answer is, "Teaching
above all, and what is research to
us?" At the Minneapolis convention,
people stood up in public and at-
tacked the standard insistence upon
the Ph.D., the course of study lead-
ing to the Ph.D., and pressure for
productivity in the learned journals.
This would be unthinkable heresy in
the Modern Language Association.
Asking myself, "What manner of
men are these?" I scanned faculty
rosters. Whereas the proportion of
Ph.D.'s among teachers of English of
professorial rank is 70 per cent at
Illinois Tech, it is only 40 per cent at
Purdue and precisely zero per cent
at Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
nology and at Rensselaer Polytech-
nic. I tried in vain to associate these
men's names with title pages. Many
of them have not gone through the
graduate school process, and few of
them are under pressure from within
or without to produce esoteric schol-
arly works. Research is not their
business. Teaching is.
Detail or generalization?
Many allegedly humanistic courses
in the universities are hardly human-
istic at all. The research scholar's
passion for thoroughness, for facts in
literary history, especially new facts,
not infrequently results in a teaching
method aimed at inculcating knowl-
edge of facts — dates, sources, influ-
ences, parallels, cognates — as well as,
and sometimes instead of, the ideas
and values asserted and the artistic
effects achieved by classic authors.
In contrast are teachers of English to
engineers, acutely aware of the little
time at their disposal and of the shell
of indifference or antipathy they
often have to overcome. They are not,
in general, reseach men.
At the A.S.E.E. convention, they
spoke with zeal and fervor of the
humanities as humanizing agents.
They expressed the paramount de-
sire to influence tomorrow's men of
practical affairs towards benignity,
tolerance, sympathy, ethical conduct,
social idealism. I have never before
felt so evangelical a spirit at any
secular professional meeting. As one
person said, sounding a note of cau-
tion, "We seem to be attempting no
less than the spiritual salvation of
the engineering student, in less than
20 hours!"
Mention was made of the criticism
of superficiality, which criticism most
were disposed to brush aside. Ob-
viously no thorough humanistic edu-
cation can be accomplished in a tech-
nical curriculum. A.S.E.E. English
teachers are not disposed, for that
reason, to restrict their aims to nar-
row objectives. Cheerfully admitting
superficiality in the students' learn-
ing and occasional amateurishness
in the facultyman's, they are setting
about the task of inducing in stu-
dents, not a thorough knowledge, but
a humble awareness of the field of
humane letters.
Another emphasis, emanating from
different quarters, was an extreme
vocationalism, an alignment of every
assignment with specifically practical
situations, and a repudiation of much
of any attempt at general or liberal
education. This adaptation to utili-
tarian objectives was, however, a
minor theme at Minneapolis, and ad-
vocated chiefly in connection with
freshman composition.
It should be stated that both the
immediately utilitarian and the cul-
tural functions of teachers of the
humanities have been accorded
hearty recognition by the A.S.E.E.
Concern for humanistic teaching in
engineering colleges is by no means
confined to teachers of that subject
matter, but appears to be general
throughout the Society.
How to use time given
non-teehnical subjects?
In the universities, the "human-
istic-social" departments live quite
independently of engineering stu-
dents, and compete for liberal arts
students. In most institutes of tech-
nology, non-technical instruction is
often concentrated in a very few de-
partments with well defined but in-
28
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
elusive boundaries. Seldom is there a
situation favoring a collision of in-
terests between literature on the one
hand and the social sciences on the
other.
Repeatedly the point was made,
and needs to be made in the future,
that freshman English should not be
charged against time reserved for
humanistic study. As M.I.T.'s chair-
man said, the attempt to make fresh-
man English a humanistic course
yields neither skill nor knowledge.
It is a badly needed pair of courses
in fundamental language skills, little
more humanistic than freshman
mathematics.
As stated above, more advanced
non-technical courses in some schools
have comprehensive aims little short
of salvation. A California Tech
spokesman asked M.I.T.'s chairman
where he found the encyclopedic
minds able to cope with the all-
inclusive course sequences of the
Massachusetts department of Eng-
lish and history. Bravely and perhaps
rashly, the teachers of English on the
faculties of engineering schools are
attempting great ends in the few
hours allowed them.
To secede or not to secede?
The contrast between an English
conference of the A.S.E.E. and a
Modern Language Association con-
vention is astounding. On the one
hand : teaching, general wisdom, great
breadth with little thoroughness; on
the other hand: research, detailed
knowledge (sometimes set before
wisdom), great thoroughness and
specialization. In view of this con-
trast, some university men view
teachers of English in engineering
colleges as outcasts; and some of the
latter advocate open secession from
the main body of the profession of
collegiate English professors.
Many of the A.S.E.E. English
teachers may be making a virtue of
a necessity — the necessity of staying
for life in technical schools and giving
up all prospects and ambitions of
teaching in liberal arts colleges and
universities. This necessity is an al-
most automatic function of having
neither a doctorate nor a bibli-
ography.
Recommendations for a new
teacher-training program for engi-
neering college English departments
are being sought. Some time ago
Harvard and M.I.T. planned a pro-
gram of correlated graduate study
and the teaching of engineers that
would prepare men specifically for
"engineering English." This program
was a war casualty before inception,
but it may well develop soon.
The secessionists by no means
comprise all the A.S.E.E. English
personnel. There was no test of
strength at Minneapolis between op-
posing points of view, so I cannot
hazard even a guess about propor-
tions. But the secessionists are
weighty in numbers and prestige.
There can be no question that an
unmodified university-type program
and faculty in English cannot best
serve the interests of the engineering
student. The university-type program
is too full and time-consuming to be
admitted to engineering curricula.
The university-type faculty is likely
to have some members who are so
preoccupied with publication and so
little interested in under-class teach-
ing that they will not establish very
effective lines of communication with
engineering freshmen. Repudiation
of the university pattern in course
work and faculty personnel is one
possible policy. Modification is an-
other, which LIT. has an unequaled
opportunity to develop.
I.I.T.'s unique opportunity
LIT. has a dual organization — a
division of engineering and a division
of liberal studies. It is the heir of
both Armour and Lewis, and it is
dedicated in perpetuity to offer the
public both engineering and liberal
studies curricula. Its department of
language, literature, and philosophy
thus has a double function in Eng-
lish: to serve the engineering stu-
dents in two ways — utilitarian
courses in language skills and liberal
courses in the humanities; to serve
the liberal arts students with every-
thing from an occasional elective to
a full major. At present, most of its
students are engineering students,
and our department's function in part
is comparable to that of our co-
KAYWOODIE
bached by the record
of 9B years
For smoking pleasure, comfort, style, balance and
long performance, a KAYWOODIE Pipe war-
rants first-place consideration. KAYWOODIES
are the world's best smoking pipes, because of
modern precision, and never-ending attention to
things a smoker needs. KAYWOODIES smoke
cool and mild, with unequalled satisfaction. At
dealers'. Made of imported
briar, specially selected
and seasoned by us. KAY-
WOODIE Company, New
York and London. 630
Fifth Avenue, New York j
20. Leaflet on request.
DR1NKLESS KAYWOODIE $3.50
SUPER-GRAIN $5, RELIEF-GRAIN $7.50, FLAME-!
SILHOUETTE $10, MEERSCHAUM-LINED $12.50
CONNOISSEUR SIS, NINETY-FIVER $20, CENTENNIAL $25.
OCTOBER, 1947
29
partners in creating
K & E draft!
equipn
it and
«rs for
liter
products used by successfu
K & E has played a part
every American engineerin
I. So extensively are these
men, it is self-evident that
the completion of nearly
project of any magnitude.
KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.
NEW YORK ■ HOBOKEN, N. J.
Chicago • St. Louis • Detroit
San Francisco • Los Angeles • Montreal
workers at M.I.T., Case, Cooper
Union, etc., and not to that of English
departments at Harvard, Chicago,
Northwestern, Illinois, etc. But we
face responsibilities and hold expec-
tations in common with university
staffs (other than "engineering Eng-
lish" ones), and thus differ from
English departments at every other
institute of technology in the coun-
try.
We are called upon to achieve an
educational synthesis, no less.
Over a period of years the admin-
istration of I.I.T. has endeavored to
maintain an English staff that could
compare qualitatively in professional
standing with that of a first-class uni-
versity. Professional standing is de-
termined for the most part by degrees
and publications; good teaching hard-
ly ever wins more than local recog-
nition, and not always that. Degrees
mean research, as does academic
publication, usually. Yet I.I.T.'s
teaching load in English is far more
than half a matter of teaching fresh-
man English to engineers. This task,
professionally considered humble,
has been shared by all ranks. To be
done with satisfaction to all con-
cerned, such teaching needs to be
done by persons of strong devotion
to teaching as an end in itself.
I.I.T.'s English department needs
to retain and attract bcth scholars
and teachers, preferably in the same
persons, but better in different per-
sons than not at all. More urgently
than at other schools, the answer at
I.I.T. needs to be research and teach-
ing — more publication than in most
technical schools, better undergrad-
uate teaching than in many univer-
sities. At technical schools the Eng-
lish professor's research and teaching
cannot often fuse, as at the graduate
level, so attention and encourage-
ment must be given both research
and teaching, as separate considera-
tions.
I.I.T.'s English courses must be
sufficiently solid and factual to serve
as a basis for graduate study in Eng-
lish, yet at the same time they must
be sufficiently popular and inspira-
tional to stimulate and have meaning
for the engineering student with little
past and no future in collegiate Eng-
lish studies. We cannot indulge with-
out modification the university pro-
fessor's single-hearted pursuit of
depth. Our professional position calls
on us to be both deep and wide, so
far as is humanly possible.
At I.I.T., the English professors
need the engineers — and know it.
That English literature is crowded
out of the engineering curricula at
Illinois occasions little thought or
distress in the English department
there. At I.I.T., this cannot be so. We
can continue to offer a major and can
maintain a strong department only
if our non-engineering students are
joined, in nearly all classes, by sub-
stantial numbers of engineers. I.I.T.'s
non-technical work is departmental-
ized more fully than that of other
institutes of technology, and those
departments of slight vocational ap-
peal (e.g., English) especially require
the consideration of their colleagues
in other departments. Also, we join
other engineering educators in urg-
ing our engineering and social science
colleagues, and our students, not to
think of our tool courses for fresh-
men as comprising in any significant
part the humanistic element essential
to all respectable collegiate curricula.
Especially, I.I.T. has a solution to
the question of secession. I.I.T.'s Eng-
lish staff cannot secede from the main
professional pattern without a com-
plete change of direction and an al-
most total replacement of staff. At
the same time, it has never been able
to follow the conventional university
custom of excusing the senior staff
members from all, or nearly all, un-
derclass and composition teaching.
To speak in institutional symbols,
our task is to demonstrate that men
and women who are among their
peers in the Modern Language Asso-
ciation also have a significant contri-
bution to make in the work confront-
ing members of the American Society
for Engineering Education. In suc-
ceeding in this task, our department
will be striking a balance between
teaching and publication, between
popular and esoteric functions, be-
tween the diffusion and the increase
of knowledge, such as will exist in all
too few engineering or other colleges.
30
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Du Pont Digest
Items of Interest to Students of Science and Engineering
Fundamental Engineering Studies
IN A company like Du Pont
the diversity of chemical
operations is great and the
investment in equipment is
high. In addition to the en-
gineering work done in the
ten industrial departments,
the responsibility for design
and construction of manu-
facturing plants is under-
taken by the central engi-
neering department, which
also maintains an engineer-
ing research laboratory.
This laboratory is staffed
by chemical, metallurgical
and mechanical engineers,
and physicists, whose func-
tion is to carry on funda-
mental and pioneering-ap-
plied research to develop " vu '"' 8
new methods of processing B ° m c( ^
and equipment designs; im-
prove equipment, materials
of construction, and methods of meas-
urement and control; and establish fun-
damental relationships in unit opera-
tions and unit processes.
For example, a broad project was
undertaken to study the fundamentals
of rotary drying. A principal objective
of the study was to learn the effect of
the operating variables on the volu-
metric heat transfer coefficient. Of the
numerous variables that affect the dry-
ing rate of such a dryer, the more im-
portant ones studied were: (1) feed rate,
(2) dryerrotation rate, (3) air rate, (4) air
temperature, (5) number of flights, (6)
direction of air flow, and (7) dryer slope.
Studies on a Laboratory Scale
Fundamental studies of heat transfer
and mass transfer were made in a lab-
oratory scale rotary dryer, 1 ft. in di-
ameter by 6 ft. long. To determine the
true heat transfer coefficient, special
methods were devised to measure the
material temperature along the length
of the dryer and to measure continu-
ously the temperature of the rotating
shell. These determinations permitted
an analysis of all the heat transfer ef-
fects in the dryer; namely, from air to
solid, from shell to solid, and from air
to shell.
From a knowledge of the material
product development in an experimental rotary
B. S. Chemical Engineering, Georgia Tech. '41; F.
-nical Engineering, Penn State '40.
temperature along the dryer, it was
possible to calculate the air tempera-
ture at each point in the dryer and
thereby to determine point values of
the heat transfer coefficient. This pro-
cedure permits the calculation of a more
accurate average temperature differ-
ence, which gives more accurate heat
transfer coefficients than can be ob-
tained from terminal conditions only.
During the course of the study, every
opportunity was taken to obtain heat
transfer data on large-scale plant dryers
in order to establish scale-up factors.
This procedure permitted the correla-
tion of heat transfer coefficients from a
1 ft. diameter dryer with those of full
plant size.
Paralleling the work on the funda-
mentals of rotary drying operation,
problems involved in product and proc-
ess development received continuous
attention. These usually require an in-
vestigation of the important auxiliary
problems of: (1) material handling to and
from the dryer, (2) removal of dust from
the air, (3) sealing the space between
the rotating shell and stationary breech-
ing, and (4) corrosion of the dryer shell.
How the Results are Applied
The findings of the effect of holdup on
dryer capacity were applied to an 8 ft.
standard rotary dryer producing 300
Inspecting the interior of experi-
mental spray dryer after a run.
dryer. H. J. W. R. Marshall, Jr., Ph.D. Chem-
A. Gluckert, i«"l Engineering, Wisconsin '41;
R. L. Pigford, Ph.D. Chemical
Engineering, Illinois '41.
lb./hr. of granulated material. The in-
formation obtained on this factor alone
permitted an increase in capacity of 75 to
100 %. This meant an increase of over a
million pounds annually. Further, one
dryer could now handle the load of two,
releasing second dryer for other work.
The information developed in such
fundamental studies permits more ac-
curate design of equipment for future
operations resulting in lower cost of
manufacture and lower investment.
Questions College Men ask
about working with Du Pont
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING
WILL I GET?
All new employees receive on-the-job
training. Men who are engaged in re-
search, development or engineering
have the opportunity to add continu-
ally to their knowledge and experience
in specific fields. This practical train-
ing is supplemented at many Du Pont
plants and laboratories by training
courses and lectures. Write for booklet,
"The Du Pont Company and the Col-
lege Graduate," 2521 Nemours Build-
ing, Wilmington 98, Delaware.
More facte about Du Pont— Listen to "Cavalcade of America," Mondays, 8 P.M. EST, on NBC
OCTOBER, 1947
BORG & BECK
DIVISION OF BORG-WARNER CORP.
Manufacturers
of
Automotive Clutches
6558 S. Menard Ave. Chicago, III.
Building Construction
Telephone NeTida 6020
S. IV. NIELSEN
EDMPAM
BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
CHICAGO
E. H. MARHOEFER, JR. CO.
• CONTRACTORS
MERCHANDISE MART • CHICAGO
Electrical Equipment
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS
INCORPORATED
DESIGNERS and MANUFACTURERS of
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS AND
SPECIALTIES
201 5 NORTH KOLMAR AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILL.
Telephone BELmont 3360
Casting . . .
(continued from page 12)
drains out of the mold into the ladle.
After draining, the remaining casting
is a cylinder with a wall thickness
determined by the holding period.
Because there is but one mold inter-
face from which solidification begins,
there can be no centerline porosity.
The drain-back of the gates and
runners can be used to advantage to
increase the metal yield on light-
section castings, in which the indi-
vidual gates on the castings freeze
before the heavy up-gate and runners
solidify. The procedure usually fol-
lowed on all counter-gravity castings
is to hold the vacuum until the cast-
ings have solidified and then allow
the gate and runner metal to drain
back into the ladle.
The use of the drain-back pro-
cedure would be of ultimate ad-
vantage in a production line opera-
tion, where the metal would be drawn
from a heated holding ladle or fur-
nace under the counter-gravity noz-
zle. Such a procedure could produce
yields as high as 80 percent for steel
castings where extensive risers are
not required. Extended holding time
of metal in an induction furnace has
shown no detrimental effects on the
properties or soundness of several
grades of steel.
Examples of some of the large va-
riety of castings poured by the
counter-gravity method are railroad
car couplers (weight approximately
1C0 lbs.), aircraft landing gear scissor-
castings (weight approximately 1
lb.), oil well cross-cutters, landing
gear cylinders, motor supports, tank
track links, brake shoe-heads, core-
less bushings, billets, cannon yoke,
shells, and other miscellaneous parts.
In most cases a large number of
castings of the same design are cast
from one common gate into dry sand
molds. In fact, the process is best
adapted to repetitive operation on
large production runs of the same
part, or to smaller quantities of spe-
cial parts which are cast with diffi-
culty and with resulting poor yields
by gravity methods.
A multiple runner system is gen-
erally used for large quantities of
Landing Gear Scissors successfully
cast by means of the counter gravity
casting method.
small castings, each runner having
many molds assembled above it and
closely packed. As many as 112 land-
ing gear scissor-castings have been
poured in one mold assembly (see
Figs. 3 and 4). The rather crude
clamping set-up for the scissor-cast-
ing molds shown in Fig. 4 would be
replaced in production by a quick-
acting, vacuum-applied clamping de-
vice.
The pouring station in the general
production shop is usually on a con-
veyor line, or it sometimes covers a
large floor area. With the counter-
gravity pouring method, all pouring
and metal handling operation can be
located adjacent to the melting equip-
ment; and a minimum of time and
travel with molten metal will be re-
quired. Only one man is required for
the actual pouring operation. Molten
metal hazards are at a minimum be-
cause the pouring is done in a closed
chamber, which eliminates the danger
of run-outs, spill -overs, etc. The
smoke and gases generated while
pouring are evacuated and exhausted
directly out-of-doors causing no un-
pleasant odors or smoke. After cast-
ing, the molds can be rolled directly
into a shake-out station which is well
ventilated. Such a foundry would
really be "a good place to work."
32
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
rwa march or sc/e/vce
OF ALL SOY BEAN
MILLING TODAY IS DONE WITH
AC EQUIPMENT. THIS WORK
THAT ALUS-CHALMERS HAS DONE
WITH SOV BEANS 60ES ALL THE WAV
FROM PLANTING AND HARVESTING
THROUGH MILLING AND PROCESS-
ING. ITISTKPICALOFTHE ENGI-
NEERING AID A-C OFFERS TO
EVERY BASIC U.S. INDUSTRY
ALLIS-CHALMERS
MANUFACTURING COMPANY,
MILWAUKEE 1, WISCONSIN
7HE SOV BEAM, ONCE PLANTED
ONLY AS A ROTATION CROP, WAS
PLOWED UNDER TO INCREASE THE
FERTILITY OF THE SOIL.
7HEN SCIENCE DISCOVERED THAT
SOY BEAN FLOUR IS WHOLESOME gyg£
...THE OIL /MAKES GOOP PAINTS
ANP SALAD DRESSING. ..THE MEAL
IS GOOD CATTLE FEED... THE
FIBRE MAKES PLASTICS. . BUT
FIRST EXTRACTION METHODS
didn't get all the oiL...omy
PARTIALLY SEPARATED THE
OTHER INGREDIENTS.
$E/VS/ir/0A//iL NEW
O/l EX7PAC71O0 METHOD
DEVELOPED BY A CSC/ENrtSTS
Revolutionary solvent extraction
machinery now separates soy bean oil,
PULP AND MEAL EFFICIENTLY- AT LOW COST
AND EXTENDED USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT
IS INCREASING THE YIELD FROM OTHER OIL-
BEARING MATERIALS SUCH AS FLAXSEED,
COTTON SEED, COPRA, PALM KERNELS,
PEANUTS AND MEAT SCRAPS ...
ALLIS H CHALMERS
ONE OF THE B/G 3 /A/ ELEC71R/C POWER EQU/P/HEMT
B/GGESr OF ALL //V GAA/ee OF /WOC/SrPML PRODUCTS
OCTOBER, 1947
33
Marsh & McLennan
INCORPORATED
Insurance Brokers
AND AVERAGE ADJUSTERS
164 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD • CHICAGO
CHICAGO NEW YORK SAN FRANCISCO DETROIT
WASHINGTON PITTSBURGH MINNEAPOLIS BOSTON
BUFFALO CLEVELAND COLUMBUS INDIANAPOLIS
MILWAUKEE DULUTH ST. PAUL ST. LOUIS
LOS ANGELES PHOENIX SEATTLE PORTLAND
VANCOUVER MONTREAL HAVANA LONDON
Atomic . H .
(confirmed from page 14)
ity generated from coal at the mine
(provided an adequate supply of
condenser water is available). Al-
most all generating stations of any
size produce electricity at a cost be-
low 9 mills.
From these figures, it does not ap-
pear that the "atomic revolution" is
going to be a very sweeping revolu-
tion after all, so long as atomic en-
ergy is restricted to electric genera-
tion. Of course, we can expect that
a new technology will undergo a
whole series of improvements, and
that the cost of building an atomic
plant now may be substantially high-
er than it will be 15 years from now.
It is idle to speculate how rapid such
improvement will be, but the data
now available do not give any
grounds for believing that atomic
electricity will be generated at a cost
much below 4 mills per KWH in the
visible future.
Economic effects of cheap power
Let us go one step further and as-
sume that atomic power can actual-
ly be produced at a cost several mills
lower than the present cost of elec-
tricity. How much would this mean
to our economy? In 1944, about 280
billion KWH of electricity were gen-
erated in the United States, includ-
ing electricity produced by indus-
trial establishments for their own
use. Each mill per KWH reduction
in generating costs would therefore
represent a saving of S280,000,000
per year to the economy. The total
national income in 1944 was $160,-
000,000,000. Hence, the resources
saved by each mill of cost reduction
could, if applied to other uses, in-
crease our national income by per-
haps one-sixth of 1 per cent.
Even an eight-mill reduction in
cost — a very unlikely eventuality —
would increase the national income
by only 1 V2 per cent. Or, if we wished
to consume this increased income in
the form of leisure rather than prod-
ucts, we could shorten our 40-hour
week to a 39 1 /2-hour week, or take
four days extra annual vacation. This
is a very pleasant prospect, but hard-
ly an economic revolution.
It may be argued that we have not
considered the possible indirect ef-
fects of the availability of cheap
power. If power were cheaper, it
could be used more freely in indus-
trial processes, with a consequent in-
crease in the productivity of each
worker. Moreover, products which,
like aluminum, require a great deal
of electricity for their production
would become cheaper and could be
substituted for more expensive prod-
ucts (e. g. the light metals for iron
and steel).
The above argument is correct
only when important qualifications
are attached to it. It is true that there
is a very close relation between the
productivity of an economy and the
amount of power consumed per
worker; but mechanization involves
(please turn to page 36)
34
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
IW
// t/ou can catch a leprechaun.
A leprechaun, according to Irish legend, is a dwarf
who keeps a pot of gold hidden away.
If you can catch a leprechaun, your troubles are
over.
Because he keeps his gold just for rajnsom money.
If you catch him, he'll quickly tell you where his
gold is, so you let him go.
The best place to look for a leprechaun is in the
woods. They're green, and only about nine inches
tall, so you'll have to —
Or maybe you don't believe in leprechauns.
Maybe it would be more practical to just keep
working for your money. But you can learn one
good lesson from these little fellows. A small pot of
gold put to one side is a great. help when trouble
catches you.
And there's a much faster and easier way to get
your pot of gold than by catching leprechauns.
You can buy U. S. Savings Bonds through an auto-
matic purchase plan.
If you're employed you can sign up for the Pay-
roll Savings Plan. If you have a bank account you
can sign up for the Bond-A-Month Plan. Either way,
your pot of gold just saves itself, painlessly and
automatically.
And your money increases one third every ten
years. That would make a leprechaun turn even
greener with envy.
Saw the easy, automatic my~with U.S. Savings Bonds
Contributed by this magazine in co-operation with the Magazine Publishers of America as a public service.
OCTOBER, 1947
35
LABORATORY
FOR
CABLE STUDY
e/fch
rothing is guessed at, nothing is taken for granted
by the engineers in charge of Okonite's cable proving
ground. Buried in various types of chemically different
and highly corrosive earth, pulled into conduit or in-
stalled overhead, electrical cables are tested under con-
trolled conditions of temperature, voltage and loading
conditions duplicating those of actual operation.
In use since 1936, carefully-recorded tests made in this
"outdoor laboratory" have disclosed valuable trends. As
facts accumulate, Okonite engineers apply their findings
to the improvement of their electrical wires and cables.
The Okonite Company, Passaic, N. J.
6K0NBTE *
insulated wires and cables
ITS GOOD BUSINESS
TO DO BUSINESS
WITH THEBMOID
Why? Because Thermoid
trates on a restricted line of prod-
ucts, related in manufacture and
in use, and maintains those prod-
ucts at top quality level.
Thermoid, as a firm, is large enough to
be thoroughly dependable, yet small
enough to be sensitive to the day-
to-day problems of its customers.
Engineers depend on Thermoid to
always furnish well made INDUS-
TRIAL BRAKE LININGS and
FRICTION PRODUCTS. TRANS-
MISSION BELTING. LIGHT DUTY
and MULTIPLE V-BELTS and
DRIVES, CONVEYOR and ELEVA-
TOR BELTING. WRAPPED and
MOLDED HOSE.
If catalogs on any of these lines
would be helpful in your studies,
we'll be glad to furnish them.
Tnerinoia
Products
(confirmed from page 34)
not merely a substitution of mechan-
ical power for hand labor but a sub-
stitution of mechanical power and
power machinery for hand labor.
The cost of the mechanized process
is not merely the cost of the power
consumed, but, in addition, the fixed
and operating charges for the power
machinery and other capital plant
required.
How far it is profitable to mech-
anize depends on how large are these
overall costs. Since in most manu-
facturing processes fuel and power
represent less than 5 per cent of the
value of the product, it is not often
that a moderate reduction in power
costs will make mechanization prof-
itable where it has not been before.
Once power rates have reached a
moderate level, the amount of cap-
ital available in an economy for in-
vestment in machinery will be far
more important than the cost of pow-
er in determining how much power
will be consumed.
Likewise, it is hard to find illus-
trations of cases where a mere reduc-
tion in power costs will cheapen the
final product sufficiently to lead to
large-scale substitution for other
products. Even in the case of alumi-
num, the cost of electricity probably
represents only one-fifth of the cost
of the product. A 50 per cent reduc-
tion in power costs for this industry
would permit only a 10 per cent re-
duction in the price of the product.
Atomic energy is
available anywhere
Thus far no mention has been
made of one of the most important
characteristics of electricity gener-
ated in an atomic plant — it can be
produced at about the same cost at
virtually any place it is wanted. Hy-
droelectric power must be used very
near the damsite — or large charges
must be incurred for transmitting it
elsewhere. Power from coal stations
must bear the cost of transporting
the coal from the mine, hence it can
be had at moderate cost only within
a limited radius from coal fields. In
the atomic plant, the fuel can be
transported anywhere almost with-
out cost. Only local differences in
construction costs and differences in
the availability of condenser water
— if that is required by the plant —
can lead to major differences in the
cost of producing the power.
The present location of industry
in the United States and throughout
the world is closely dependent upon
the location of deposits of coal and
iron and of developed water power
sites. In some cases raw materials
are carried long distances (e. g.
alumina) in order to be processed
where cheap power is available.
Atomic power, because of its indif-
ference to geography, might permit a
far more flexible pattern for the lo-
cation of industry and might permit
industrialization in areas where this
would not otherwise be feasible.
Here again, caution is needed in
assessing the possibilities.
In the first place, atomic power
will be "available everywhere" out-
side the United States only if a work-
able scheme of international control
can be devised and if the individual
(please turn to page 38)
36
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Ultrasensitive RCA Television eamera tube euts studio light requirements
Television finds drama in the dark
— with new RCA studio eamera
Now television becomes even more
exciting as lights are dimmed, and
the camera reaches deep inside stu-
dio shadows to capture action as dra-
matic as any on stage or screen . . .
A new studio television camera —
developed by RCA scientists and en-
gineers—needs only l/10th the usual
amount of light.
The super-sensitive eye of the new
camera is an improved Image Orthi-
con Tube ... of the type once used
only outdoors. With it, studio broad-
casts are sharper, clearer— and since
OCTOBER, 1947
so little illumination is needed, heat
in the studio is sharply reduced. No
more blazing lights!
Such improvements come regu-
larly from research at RCA Labora-
tories, and apply to all branches of
radio, television, electronics, and re-
cording. These improvements are
part of any product bearing the name
RCA or RCA Victor.
When in Radio City, New York, be sure to see the
radio and electronic wonders at RCA Exhibition
Hall, 36 West 49th St. Free admission. JWio
Corporation of America, RCA Building, Radio
City, New York 20.
Continue your education
with pay — at RCA
Graduate Electrical Engineers: RCA
Victor — one of the world's foremost manu-
facturers of radio and electronic products
— offers you opportunity to gain valuable,
well-rounded training and experience at
a good salary with opportunities for ad-
vancement. Here are only five of the many
projects which offer unusual promise:
• Development and design of radio re-
ceivers (including broadcast, short wave
and FM circuits, television, and phono-
graph combinations).
• Advanced development and design of
AM and FM broadcast transmitters, R-F
induction heating, mobile communications
equipment, relay systems.
• Design of component parts such as
coils, loudspeakers, capacitors.
• Development and design of new re-
cording and reproducing methods.
• Design of receiving, power, cathode
ray, gas and photo tubes.
Write today to National Recruiting Divi-
sion, RCA Victor, Camden, New Jersey.
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
37
(continued from page 36)
nations are persuaded to accept it.
In the second place, important
segments of heavy industry would, in
any case, continue to be attracted to
the iron mining regions.
In the third place, even now there
are many important industries (e. g.
textiles) in which power costs are
relatively unimportant and which
are often located in areas with fairly
high power rates.
In the fourth place, coal is used
as a chemical as well as a fuel; and
electricity could not be substituted
for it, without other changes in tech-
nology, in some of its uses. For ex-
ample, it is highly problematical
whether electrical reduction of iron
ore could compete with blast fur-
naces even if electricity were very
cheap. Several theoretically possible
methods of electrical reduction of ore
Electrical Fixtures
LIGHTING FIXTURES
and
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
Triangle Electric Co.
600 West Adams Street
Chicago
Jack B™-i Tel. HAYm.rket 6262
Engines
"Caterpillar" Diesel Engines
and
Electric Generator Sets
Patten Tractor
& Equipment Co.
620 S. 25th Ave. Bellwood, Illinois
(Chicago) Mansfield 1860
(Long Distance) Bellwood 300
to sponge iron are known, but their
practicability has by no means been
demonstrated.
Industrialization of
backward countries
Almost all the "backward" coun-
tries of the world today are looking
to industrialization as the primary
solution for their problems of pov-
erty and over-population. But in
most instances, the maximum rate at
which this industrialization can pro-
ceed will be limited more by the
scarcity of skills and technological
knowledge and of the capital needed
to build factories and machinery
than by the lack of power resources.
China's coal supply would last at
least 300 years, and India's 80 years,
even at the American per capita rate
of consumption, and their supplies
will last far longer at the lower con-
sumption rates that these countries
ere likely to achieve.
To be sure, there are exceptions.
Even before the war, the expansion
of Japanese industry was pressing
against the limits of the coal supply,
end the best hydroelectric sites had
already been almost fully developed.
Law School
CHICAGO
KENT
COLLEGE of
LAW
Founded 1887
Independent — Endowed— Non-Sectarian
Afternoon and Evening Classes.
Tel. Dea. 6055. College BIdg.. 10 N. Franklin
Photo Printing
ACME CQ&V CORP.
53 WEST
WABASH 6743
JACKSON BLVD.
CHICAGO
Management Engineers
GRIFFENHAGEN
Established L
& ASSOCIATES
n 1911
CONSULTANTS IN
MANAGEMENT
Advice and technical assistance on problems of
policy, organization, procedure, personnel, and finance
Call E. O. Griffenhagen, senior partner, Randolph 3686
South America is very deficient in
coal; and, although there are great
potentialities for hydroelectric devel-
opment, the favorable waterpower
sites are hundreds of miles from the
principal areas of industrial develop-
ment. Coal could be imported cheap-
ly by water; but, since very large
amounts of foreign exchange would
be required to pay for this coal, a
major industrialization based on im-
ported coal appears beyond the
financial reach of these countries. In
India, although the aggregate coal
supply is large, it is mostly concen-
trated in the northeast, near Cal-
cutta, and atomic power would very
greatly facilitate the industrialization
of the southern and western parts of
the peninsula.
These examples serve to indicate
that the development of a practi-
cable atomic power plant, even
though unable to product electricity
much below the cost at favorably lo-
cated coal or waterpower stations,
may be of considerable importance
in the industrialization of areas of
this kind.
If these estimates of the signifi-
cance of atomic power seem too con-
servative, if we are convinced that
a technological innovation of such a
radical kind must of necessity bring
about equally radical changes in our
economy, we must remember that
these predictions refer to a limited
area of application — the use of the
atomic pile to produce electricity.
If effects of really revolutionary
scope are to appear, they will most
probably come about through the in-
vention of entirely new applications
of the atomic pile (just as the effects
of the internal combustion engine
and electricity were produced
through such inventions as the auto-
mobile and the radio) rather than
simply through a cheapening of pow-
er. Already, one of these applications
has appeared on the scene — it ante-
dated, in fact, the invention of the
self-sustaining pile. I refer to the use
of radioactive tracers in biological
research and medicine. This appli-
cation and others yet to be discov-
ered seem far more likely to produce
the Atomic Revolution than does the
production of cheap electricity.
38
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
IN THE HOME or tavern where
Pabst Blue Ribbon is served the
good taste of the host is reflected
in the good taste of this truly great
beer ... always full-flavor blended
of never less than 33 fine brews
. . . the one-and-only blended-
splendid Pabst Blue Ribbon.
It's Blended
MHSHl
Ribbon
It's Splendid!
Copr. 1947, r.-tt.st Brewing C.irnpnny,
OCTOBER, 1947
39
A. A. A. S. Plans Chicago Convention
THE 1 14th convention of the Amer-
ican Association for the Advance-
ment of Science will be held De-
cember 26-31 in Chicago. General
headquarters for the annual meeting
will be the Sherman Hotel. Those
who plan to attend may register now
through the Washington, D. C. office
of the association, 1515 Massachu-
setts avenue. N. W. Registration fee
is $2 for members and college stu-
dents, S3 for non-members.
General programs will be mailed
December 1 to all who register be-
fore that date. This will permit each
registrant to study the contents and
decide at leisure which of the several
hundred sessions and special func-
tions he may wish to attend. The
name of each early registrant will be
included in a special directory avail-
able for inspection at headquarters
hotels when the sessions begin.
Lists of papers for the sections and
Serson Hardware
& Supply Co.
EitablUhed 1907
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES — SHEET
METAL WORK
109-1 11 East Thirty-First Street
Phono Victory J \™
GOLDENROD
ICE CREAM
Served exclusively
at
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
Instruments
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
COMPARATORS
CHRONOGRAPHS
SPECTROSCOPES
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROGRAPHS
CATHETOMETERS
OPTICAL BENCHES
INTERFEROMETERS
DIVIDING MACHINES
MICROMETER SLIDES
READING TELESCOPES
MEASURING MICROSCOPES
TOOLMAKER MICROSCOPES
THE GAERTNER SCIENTIFIC
CORPORATION
1206 Wrightwood Ave.. Chicago
JOHN S. DELMAN
Class of '38
Annuities
Life Insurance
Retirement Plans
Accident & Health
Juvenile Insurance
THE GREAT-WEST LIFE
ASSURANCE CO.
1030 Field Bldg., 135 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago 3, III. Randolph 5560
THE STAR OIL COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1890
LUBRICATING OILS AND GREASES
Telephone Seeley 4400
348 North Bell Avenue, Chicago
societies meeting with the associa-
tion, including time and place of
each, will be included in the general
program. It will also contain an-
nouncements regarding general ses-
sions, the International Science Ex-
hibition, eating facilities, transporta-
tion, mail and messenger service, and
a directory of speakers and presiding
officers.
Registration fees have been re-
ceived since August 15; they will be
accepted for mail distribution of the
general program until December 10.
Payments after that date will be
placed on file December 26 at the
main registration center in the Stev-
ens hotel. Upon identification, these
registrants will be given a copy of
the general program and their cards
placed in the visible directory. To
avoid delay in receiving programs
during the Christmas mailing rush,
those who plan to attend are urged
to mail the registration fee to the
Washington office prior to December
1.
Publisher
GINN and COMPANY
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS
2301-2311 Prairie Avenue
Chicago 16, Illinois
ucrew
lllacliiiie Products
Clean precision work
made exact to specifications.
Capacity 1/16" to 2%".
C A. Knuepfer - 16 W.^. Tarrant, '28
President Vice-President
Qeneral dngineeringWorh
4707 W. Division Street ■ Chicago, ?/
Telephone Manslield 28e6
40
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
This gt'rf can beat 50
monks to a standstill
^d&Qw*
i\ /ovvhere in the world are eleva-
f Y tors as luxurious — efficient — and
safe — as in America. Nowhere are such
ingenious improvements made so con-
sistently ... so rapidly.
The ancestor of elevators — a crude
basket attached to the end of frayed
rope — still is in daily use — the only
access to some monasteries in Greece.
Powered by monks, fifty of whom
could not do what a little slip of a
girl does with one hand, these "ele-
vators' 1 try the nerves of brave men.
American ingenuity, born of in-
dividual enterprise, and nurtured by
free competition, not only gave us the
world's best elevators, it gave us a
great industry employing thousands of
men and using the products of a score
of other industries.
The wire rope industry is not among
the least of these.
Roebling engineers have kept pace
with the designers of "lifts" ever since
the first American elevator was in-
stalled with a Roebling elevator rope
— back in the early 1860's.
Today, Roebling Special Traction
Steel Elevator Rope enjoys the well-
earned confidence of hoisting engineers
the world over.
JOHN A. ROEBLING'S SONS COMPANY
TRENTON 2. NEW JERSEY
Branches and Warehouses in Principal Citiei
'"
CENTURY Of CONFIDENCE ROEBLIN
OCTOBER, 1947
41
Era® MOMLS lor Every Job
• Two Lipped Spiral
End Mills -
Small Helix Angb
• Two Lipped Spiral
End Mills
• Long Spiral End Mills
• Long Two Lipped
Spiral End Mills
m
"PROM the extensive Brown & Sharpe line select the
A end mill that meets your particular needs — a fast,
free cutting end mill that will give you maximum
production. There's a style and size for every job.
Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co., Providence 1, R. 1.
BROWN & SHARPE CUTTERS
3%" X 23/6" X 13/ 6 " ; Weight 3y 2 oz.
Lindemann Electrometer
This instrument was originally designed for use in
connection with photo-electric measurements of light in
astronomical work. It is now used extensively for the
determination of radioactive emission. Compact and
stable, it has high sensitivity, stable zero, and does not
require levelling. The capacitance of the instrument is less
than 2 cm. For general use, the instrument is placed upon
a microscope stand and the upper end of the needle ob-
served, illumination being obtained in the usual way
through a window in the electrometer case.
Write (or descriptive literature
CAMBRIDGE INSTRUMENT CO., INC.
Pioneer Manufacturers of Precision Instruments
3756 Grand Central Terminal, New York 17
pH Meters and Recorders, Galvanometers, Gas Analyzers, Fluxmeters, Exhaust
Use in Science, Industry and Medicine
Steel
(continued from page 17)
bon and goes into solution in the
iron.
An example of this is afforded by
the stainless cutlery stee'.s. The prime
requisites of a good knife are high
hardness and good abrasion resist-
ance. In simple carbon steels this is
obtained by using carbon up to 1 V2
per cent (and, of course, quenching
and slightly tempering). To impart
resistance to attack by food acids,
chromium must be added. If the
minimum amount of chromium is to
be added to produce this property
for economy reasons, the carbon
must be very low, less than 0.1 per
cent. The only way any degree of
hardness can be given to this steel is
by cold working. Such knives are
blanked out of cold rolled strip.
These were the first stainless
knives given to the public in large
quantities and were responsible for
the widely held opinion that stainless
knives are worthless as cutting im-
plements. Knives can be made real-
ly stainless and with very sharp
edges, but they are necessarily much
more expensive. Hardness must come
from high carbon, over 1 per cent.
To have the required chromium in
solution for corrosion resistance, the
chromium content must be over 18
per cent. Furthermore, the steel must
be solution-treated at a high temper-
ature.
The iron-chromium-carbon alloys
are ferritic, that is, the iron and chro-
mium atoms are arranged to form
the corners and at the centers of
cubes. While these alloys can have
good corrosion resistance if the chro-
mium is sufficiently high, their struc-
ture does not permit much strength-
ening by cold working; furthermore,
they are welded with considerable
difficulty.
When nickel is added to these al-
loys, the structure of the alloy
changes to the austenitic, or face-
centered cubic structure, wherein the
iron, chromium, and nickel atoms are
arranged to form the corners and
faces of cubes. Such a structure work
hardens very readily. The steel con-
taining about 18 per cent chromium
and 8 per cent nickel (18-8) has ex-
cellent corrosion resistance and can
be drawn to wire having rupture
strength exceeding 300,000 lbs. per
square inch.
The ubiquitous carbon can exert
a deleterious effect on this type of
steel. When the steel is held in the
range of 1250° F. for a few minutes,
the carbon and chromium come out
of their solution in the cubic struc-
ture and form their own union, the
carbide structure. Since one atom of
carbon takes out four atoms of chro-
mium along with it, not much carbon
is needed to deplete the steel of chro-
mium in solution from the sites
where the precipitation is occuring.
Such a phenomenon, called inter-
granular precipitation because of its
locale, leaves the steel in a condition
readily susceptible to acid attack. A
strip of this steel in such condition
can be crumbled in the fingers after
it has been exposed a few hours to a
dilute boiling solution of copper sul-
fate and sulfuric acid. Fortunately,
(please turn to page 44)
42
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
\ Hi AIM
2. The tower was timber-cribbed and floated, towed
up New York Harbor and the Hudson Ri
New York State by canal. A tug took over the
ing job through Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan,
riding out a storm en route. Then the tower
loaded on a barge to complete its journey via the
Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This win-
ter at Sugar Creek, the cat cracker of which this
tower is part goes on stream, joining similar units
already operating at other Standard refineries. It
has a charging capacity of 25,000 barrels a day!
3. Like our Burton Stills in 1913 and continuous
units of 1932, catalytic crackers are milestones in
petroleum progress. Today at Standard, the indus-
try's ablest engineers and research men are develop-
ing new . . . and better processes and products. Men
of the same type arc coming from leading colleges of
science and engineering to start work at Standard.
Here they find unexcelled technical facilities for re-
search and design. If you want a career with splen-
did opportunities to advance and make real contri-
butions, you should get to know Standard better.
Standard Oil Company
(INDIANA)
910 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, CHICAGO
STANDARD
SERVICE
OCTOBER, 1947
43
BROKER & CONSULTANT
Design —
Administration —
Revision —
of
Pension and Profit-Sharing
Systems
Corporation And Personal Life
Insurance Programs
Paul A. Hazard, Jr., C.L.U.
105 .West Adams St.
Chicago 3, III.
Member — Chicago Ass'n of Commerce
Life Member — Million Dollar Round
Table
LETTERHEADS
To business correspondents who do not
know you personally, or who have not
seen your place of business, your letter-
head reflects the personality of your firm
FRANK W. DlQCk & Company
432 South Dearborn • Chicago
JPeiierLad cfiylisis
THE CHIEF PRINTING CO.
6911 South Chicago Avenue
Telephone MIDway 2100
CHICAGO
WALLACE DON
HAMILTON BROS.
Real Estate
CHESTER CHARLES
(continued from page 42)
specifics for this ailment are known.
The most effective is a carbide sta-
bilizing element, such as columbium,
which has a greater attraction for
carbon than has chromium.
Although 18-8 steels are normally
austenitic and non-magnetic in their
soft condition, severe cold working,
such as wire drawing, produces a par-
tial transformation to the ferritic
state, which is magnetic. Advantage
is taken of this phenomenon in pro-
ducing wire for the wire recorder.
The finely drawn 18-8 wire has ex-
cellent corrosion resistance, high
strength, and good magnetic prop-
erties.
An interesting application of aus-
tenitic stainless steels (principally
25 chromium and 20 nickel) is in the
welding of hardenable steels. The
rapid cool from the high welding
heat will produce the hardening
transformation in low alloy steels
such as used for armor plate. The
high stresses resulting yield a weld
of low impact properties. If the weld
rod used is of the austenitic type, the
stresses are evenly distributed
throughout the soft, but tough weld.
Closely allied to resistance to
chemical attack is resistance to heat.
Under the classification of heat-re-
sisting steels are those steels pri-
marily used for oxidation resistance,
or freedom from scaling at high tem-
peratures, and those steels primarily
used for high strength at elevated
temperatures.
Resistance to scaling increases as
s*fi
Planographing
£11
1AN0GRAPH:
An economical reproduction process for Office
Forms, Charts, Diagrams, Graphs, Specifica-
tions, Testimonials, House-Organ Magazines,
Bulletins, Maps and many other items.
No Run Too Long
No Run Too Short
Estimates will not obligate you
in any way. WRITE OR CALL
CHICAGO PLANOGRAPH CORP.
517 S. JEFFERSON ST.. CHICAGO 7
the iron content decreases. A widely
used steel for this purpose contains
about 30 per cent chromium, balance
iron, with 0.25 per cent carbon. The
conditions in the combustion cham-
ber of a household oil burner are
such that a steel with 18 per cent
chromium will suffice, while a car-
burizing box to operate many hours
at 1700 F. is made from an alloy
containing 70 per cent nickel, 18 per
cent chromium and only 12 per cent
iron. Whether the alloy is ferritic or
austenitic does not seem to make
much difference for scale resistance.
All of the alloy steels for high
strength at high temperatures are of
the austenitic type. Just as the addi-
tion of tungsten or of molybdenum
to carbon steels increases the reten-
tion of hardness at elevated tempera-
tures, likewise the addition of tungs-
ten or of molybdenum to an 18-8
base stainless steel increases the re-
tention of strength at elevated tem-
peratures. In these alloys, moreover,
the high strengths must be main-
tained over long periods of times, up
to 100,000 hours.
The success of the jet plane de-
pended on the discovery of these
alloys, and the further development
of jet propulsion is directly depend-
ent upon furthering the ranges of the
present steels. As the cutting tools
of the future will contain little, if
any, iron, so will the high tempera-
ture alloys of the future. These al-
loys will be principally made up of
cobalt, chromium, nickel, tungsten,
molybdenum, and columbium.
We have seen how types of spe-
cial steels have been developed for
the special purposes of our present-
day civilization. The age of atomic
power into which we are moving will
see the development of new steels
containing elements which only a
few years ago were too rare even to
be laboratory curiosities, such as gal-
lium, and elements which did not
even exist, such as plutonium.
Man has demonstrated his ability
to control and adapt nature to fit his
advancing physical needs. Let us
pray that he can soon learn to de-
velop the same abilities to satisfy his
spiritual and social needs.
44
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
irgr'iw
for*
TOQi
BBS*'
'•cesses
When you need heat for drying, for metal-melting,
for process steam, for any of the production-line
heating requirements you need GAS and modern
Gas Equipment.
And for proof of the many successful applications
of the productive flames of GAS in modern in-
dustrial practice you need only look at the experi-
ence records of A. C. Gilbert Company, famed
producer of miniature trains, scientific toys, motor-
driven appliances.
In its modern New Haven, Connecticut, plant
the company's production engineers have applied
GAS to heating processes such as:
• Pre-melting furnaces for metal used in
die-casting
• Molten-metal reservoirs of die-casting machines
• Remelt furnaces for reclaiming scrap metal
• Salt bath for gear hardening
• Boilers supplying steam for bakelite
mold-heating
• Continuous cycle and convection drying and
enameling ovens
Some popular items in the list of A. C. Gilbert Company products
These varied examples demonstrate the applica-
bility of GAS to the widest range of production-line
processes. The growing use of GAS in modern pro-
ductioneering is a constant challenge to engineers
and manufacturers of heat treating equipment.
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION
420 LEXINGTON AVE.
NEW YORK 17, N. Y.
Gas-fired boilers supply steam
to the bakelite molding presses
OCTOBER, 1947
45
layouts
engravings
four color printing
office supplies
binding
tags
catalogues
magazines
HAYWOOD PUBLISHING COMPANY
5th and Ferry Sts. Phone 4085
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
IGT...
(continued from page 20)
(1) A study of the steam-carbon-
oxygen reactions, to develop a better
understanding of the fundamentals
which control the processes of gas
making.
(2) A study of catalysts for the
decomposition of hydrocarbons of
low molecular weight as carrier gases
for subsequent enrichment, consist-
ing of a laboratory study of sulfur-
resistant catalysts and a pilot plant
study of the steam-air-hydrocarbon
ratios, temperatures, and space ve-
locities upon operating efficiencies.
(3) A study of the adaptation of
the fluid and thermofor catalytic
cracking processes to the gasification
of oil and/or coal.
A study of the equipment neces-
sary to evaluate oil for gasification has
resulted in an appropriation of $10,-
000 by the American Gas Associa-
tion, through the Gas Production Re-
search Committee, to establish the
necessary facilities at the Institute
(please turn to page 48)
46
TABLE II
Roster of Students
School and Degree
Entered — 1946
Fellow School and Degree Entered From
Chapin, Douglas S., Kansas Stale College, B.S. Chem. 1/29/44 U. S. Army, T/4 Medical Depl.
Cook, Richard H., Syracuse University, B.S.Ch.E. 12/1943 _.U. S. Navy, Lt. (jg) Communications and Electronics
Dow, Willard Mall*. Colorado School of Mines, B.S., Pet. Eng. 1942; M.S., IGT, 1945..._ _ U. S. Navy, Lt. (jg)
Halvorsen, Wm. J., Virginia Polytechnic Inst., Ch.E., 6/1942
Standard Oil Company (New Jersey) Baton Rouge, La., Chem. Engineer
Kelly, James H., Louisiana Polytechnic Inst., B.S.Ch.E., 5/1943
Standard Oil Company (New Jersey) Baton Rouge, La., Chei
Luntey, Eugene H„ University of Idaho, B.S.Ch.E., 1943 _
Selph. John W., Jr., Vanderbilt University, B.E., 1942; M.S.. IGT 1947. .._..
Engineer
U. S. Navy, Lt. (jg) Radar
..U. S. Navy, Lt. (jg) Eletronics
Entering-
Felloic School and Degree
Brooks, Robert, Purdue. B.S.Ch.E., 1947
Coley, Francis, Virginia Polytechnic Inst., B.S.Ch.E., 1943
Ellington, Rex E. Jr., Univ. of Colorado. B.S.Ch.E.. 1143
Carver. John, Univ. of Wis., B.S.Ch.E.; M.S.. 1947
Helbling. Don, 111. Inst. Tech., B.S.Ch.E., 1947
Owen, Henry Jr., Teas A. & M., B.S.Ch.E.. 1942
Peres, Ernest, Tulane Univ. of La., BE. Ch.E.. 1947
in a Parallel Flow.
1947
Entered From
„ _ Tenn. Eastman Corp.
..Mass. Inst, of Tech.. Operations Evaluations Group
Univ. of Wis.
U. S. Navy, Ensign
- ^ Celanese Corp. America
TABLE III
Roster of Graduates
Doctor of Philosophy
Name Ye
Dn, Henry E., 1941-1946, Par
Dissertation Present Location
istribution by Beaker Type Centrifugal Sedimentation
Armour Research Foundation
Masters of Science
Dow, Willard M„ 1942-1944, Heal Transfer from a Surface to Air in a Parallel Flow I.G.T., Ph.D. Candidate
Newhall, Robert M., 1941-1944, Oxidation of Quinoline _ Standard Oil Devel. Co.
Pelican, Thomas L., 1942-1944, Dehydrogenation of Propane by Means of Chromia-Alumina Catalyst
Nat. Gas Pipe Line Co. of America
Savory. Leonard E., 1942-1944, Gas Jet Radiation Generator
Selph, John W. Jr., 1942-44, 1946-47, Porous Plug Viscometer for Gases .
Strong, Erwin R., 1942-1945, Composition of Propane Hydrate.- _
Inn.
..Eastern Gas and Fuel Associates
_I.G.T. Staff
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
*...„ t
When you admire a beauty ... or visit a farm
Vf« s »t.-t
ride on a ferry or order some coke .
swallow an aspirin . .
the chances are, you are coming in contact
with Koppers engineering or chemical skills.
1. Koppers chemicals for use in cosmetics. 2. Farm
made of lumber pressure-treated by Koppers for long life. 3. Koppers
American Hammered Piston Rings for marine engines. 4. Coke from
Koppers-built ovens. 5. Koppers chemicals for use in medicines.
6. Koppers Fast's self-aligning couplings, widely used in power
plants. All these are Koppers products ... as well as scores of others
that help to increase our comfort, guard our health, enrich our lives.
All bear the Koppers trade-mark, the symbol of a many-sided service
...and of high quality. Koppers Company, Inc., Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
or turn on the light .
K
KOPPERS
OCTOBER, 1947
47
HANDLING HEAT
Wl\
Ah
rasives
H
iWPMi'?
andling the high temperatures useJ
by modern industry is a tough job
-.• i; i.
res materials
ith
J ■>!-
physical and thermal properties.
Norton has such materials in Alundum
and Crystolon abrasives. Their creation
in electric furnaces at temperatures of
3700° and 4000° Fahrenheit gives them
valuable refractory properties as well
as abrasive qualities. And supplement-
ingthese two materials there areseveral
Norton electric furnace products which
are produced especially for their unique
refractory properties.
These various refractory materials are
put to effective use in Norton cements,
tubes, bricks, plates, tiles and other
shapes for
METAL MELTING FURNACES
HEAT TREATING FURNACES
ENAMELING FURNACES
CERAMIC KILNS
BOILER FIREBOXES
GAS GENERATORS
CHEMICAL PROCESSES
There's also a line of Alundum refrac-
tory laboratory ware such as crucibles,
cones, dishes, discs, thimbles and com-
bustion boats for ignition, incineration
and filtration.
4S
('continued from page 46)
for evaluating oil for cracking and
for determining the composition of
the residual tar. This laboratory,
which will be an integral part of the
facilities for hydrocarbon identifica-
tion, is under process of development
at this time and will materially im-
prove the facilities available at the
Institute.
It has been the considered opinion
of the Institute's executive commit-
tee that the research facilities and
activities could be most intelligently
expanded if the present problems
confronting the Gas Industry were
presented by those who were most
actively engaged in their successful
solution.
Two committees of the American
Gas Association — the Gas Produc-
tion Research Committee and the
Technical Advisory Committee — are
composed of men outstanding in their
field and keenly aware of the re-
search needs of their industry. Be-
cause of the close relationships exist-
ing between this association and the
Institute, these committees have been
of inestimable service to the Institute
by keeping the director and his staff
apprised of the direction of their
thinking and of the probable course
of future developments.
A great need has been demon-
strated for research in natural gas
and ancillary fields. The formation of
the technical and research advisory
committee was considered a neces-
sary step in the development of such
research. A preliminary organization
meeting May 1 in Chicago was at-
tended by many leaders in this field.
As a result, Eastern, Southwestern,
and Pacific Coast sub-committees
were formed so that needs specific to
an area, as well as those applicable
to the industry as a whole might be
considered carefully. Subsequent
meetings of the sub-committees here
resulted in the presentation of a large
number of excellently-conceived and
extremely pertinent problems for re-
search.
These and further activities of the
committees will serve to guide the
purchase of research equipment and
to indicate the direction in which the
Institute's studies should proceed.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
BUSINESS IN MOTION
*7* Si€s / l/~&<rt££
tcCtf c<yi
T^ryL&LcCcovi X5<>*
c^ffc^lCtPd
There is a handsome electric percolator coming on the
market in increasing numbers. It wins sales by its beauty
and by the name of its maker. What the people who buy
it do not know about it is that Revere collaborated closely
with the manufacturer in working out ways and means of
speeding production and lowering costs.
The base metal is Red-Brass, 80%, supplied in sheet
form. Forming the tall and graceful design requires a num-
ber of draws to increasing depth. Yet only one anneal is
required, after the first two draws and
before a reverse draw. In the latter the
annealed shell is turned completely
inside out, giving additional depth and
at the same time producing the pres-
sure-pad flange required for subse-
quent operations.
In deep-drawing work, grain size is
the controlling or limiting factor. Be-
fore Revere and the manufacturer
collaborated on this product and es-
tablished precise grain size control for
the metal, it was occasionally neces-
sary to resort to an additional spin-
ning operation in order to smooth the sidewall of the
shell produced by the last draw. Our recommendations,
not only with respect to the raw material as received by
the customer, but in various processing steps, assisted
toward a substantial reduction in the costs of production,
and likewise in the costs of polishing and' buffing before
chromium plating.
Naturally, both we and our customer are delighted
with the success of our mutual efforts, but to our minds
the most important thing about this case history is the
fact that the customer went far beyond merely ordering
Red-Brass in such-and-such a size, gauge and temper. He
took us completely into his confidence as to fabrication
methods and requirements. Only in that way was our
knowledge of our metals successfully
added to the customer's outstanding
manufacturing ability.
Perhaps your products do not use
our metals, or any metal at all. It
does not matter. What we want to
point out is that you can obtain from
your suppliers much more than mate-
rials. When you buy these you pay
not only for the feet or tons or
gallons you get, but also for the
knowledge and experience required
to produce those materials. You pay
for both products and brains — why
not use both? No matter what you buy, nor from whom,
we firmly believe that you can benefit by giving
your suppliers full information concerning your pro-
duction problems and thus adding their brains to your
own.
REVERE COPPER AND BRASS INCORPORATED
Founded by Paul Revere in 1801
it it it
Executive Offices:
230 Park Avenue, New York 17, N. Y.
OCTOBER, 1947
49
Nine-cent miracle
You are looking at a 9-cent piece
of the hardest metal made by man.
It is Carboloy Cemented Carbide.
And this particular piece . . . one of
a large number of standard blanks
which sell for less than $1.00 . . . when
used as the cutting edge of a metal-
working tool, performs miracles in
helping to speed up production,
increase quality and cut costs of
machined parts.
Carboloy costs steadily down
While this is only one of hundreds of
Carboloy forms that range in use from
tools and dies to masonry drills and
wear-resistant parts, it dramatizes the
long downward trend in the price of
this miraculous metal.
For today, its low cost and remark-
able hardness are taking Carboloy into
many broad new fields. Housewives,
hobbyists, home-owners and craftsmen
are all experiencing the qualities of
Carboloy at low cost.
That's great news for industrialists,
too.
It means that all the extra benefits
of Carboloy tools, dies and wear-resist-
ant parts can be had at costs compar-
able to ordinary materials. And. consid-
ered by authorities to be "one of the
ten most significant industrial develop-
ments of the past decade," Carboloy is
rapidly becoming the standard where-
ever a versatile, hard metal is required.
An odds-on chance
The odds are 10 to 1 that Carboloy —
the amazing metal of many uses — can
be put to work by our engineers to
give your products higher quality at
lower cost. Why not call us in for
consultation?
FREE SOUND MOVIE, Everyday Mir-
acles," available for business clubs,
industrial groups, technical societies
and vocational schools. Write to
reserve your date for this dramatic
24-minute, 16 mm. film.
Carboloy Company, Inc., Detroit 32, Mich.
CARBOLOY
(REG. u s PAT. off.1 CFMFN1ED C'RBIDE © '»" cmbolov co.
THE HARDEST METAL MADE BY MAN
50
Germany . . .
(continued from page 22)
This unchanging passivity led Wiech-
ert to victory. In one of his recent
letters to me he wrote that on his lec-
ture tour of Switzerland this year
people everywhere were showering
love, and nothing but love, upon him.
"All this", he added joyfully, and with
a certain sadness, "all this after all
those years."
About the time of the publication
of Wiechert's Forest of The Dead,
several other books came out which
tried to interpret or clarify the events
of the recent past. They were all writ-
ten some time after the occurrence
of the events, and because of this in-
terval they manifest greater discip-
line and a somewhat broader survey.
The president of the University of
Marburg, Julius Ebbinghaus, in his
book, Fare Turns to Germany", is the
first to deal with the question of guilt.
Interest in this question has been con-
tinued in a more philosophical and
legally accurate way by Professor
Karl Jasper in his book, The Ques-
tion of Guilt'. The main theme in
these and other works is the definite
acceptance of the idea that Germany
is to blame. These authors make no
attempt to refute it. After admitting
this guilt, the whole problem appears
to be projected in a way which seems
more favorable to the Germans than
if they had denied guilt a priori.
While President Ebbinghaus tries
to illuminate this particular problem,
two others, Wilhelm Hoffmann, li-
brarian of the Swabian State Library,
and the Gottingen professor, Fried-
rich Meinecke, explore the past in
order to gain a better survey of the
whole situation that led to the final
catastrophe. Wilhelm Hoffmann, in
his book, After the Catastrophe*, con-
tributes something to the solution of
the problem of guilt by character-
izing the various classes of the people
and their attitude toward the war.
"There was no common enjoyment",
he says. "The soldier was separated
from the people. 'It is not our war'
was definitely the feeling of the popu-
lation".
The octogenarian Professor Fried-
(please turn to page 52)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Using I filiform Light Weight
FAST STARTING and stopping
are top requirements of high
speed vee-belt pulleys. Other
things being equal, the lighter
the weight the faster the pulley
will stop and start.
Synthane weighs less than
any suitable metal — half as
much as aluminum — and it is
strong, uniform and easily ma-
chinable.
Blanks for vee-belt pulleys
are molded from flakes of the
same impregnated fabrics used
in making certain grades of
Synthane laminated plastics.
Because of the light, uniform
weight, balancing is negligible
at normal speeds and easy at
high speeds.
Primarily, uniform light
weight fits Synthane for high
speed vee-belt pulleys. Many
other properties — combined —
make it the material of a thou-
sand uses. Synthane Corpora-
tion, Oaks, Pennsylvania.
svxtiiam: technical plastics
DESIGN • MATERIALS • FABRICATION
OCTOBER, 1947
51
A"
H1GG111S
AMERICAN
WATERPROOF
\nn IM,
J
Now available with
Cork and Plastic
Quill Stopper
OR
Perfected Rubber
Dropper Stopper
Both type stoppers
available on
waterproof black only
WKCOJM.
271 JVI.VTH STREET, BROOKLYN 15. JY. Y.
(continued from page 50J
rich Meinecke interprets the recent
events in his book, The German
Catastrophe', from a far more schol-
arly viewpoint. He traces the two
great ideals which have motivated
the German political community dur-
ing the last two centuries — national-
ism and socialism. In addition, his
contributions are of importance in
dealing with the question of guilt; he
emphasizes fate, which has played
such a stunning role in German his-
tory. Of course, it could be suspected
that Germany's leading historian
would like to make it easy for his
nation by introducing the element of
fate. It must, however, be stressed
that he, like all the other afore-
mentioned authors, is emphasizing
the fact that he writes as a German
to the Germans and not to foreigners
to win their sympathy.
All of these authors speak of the
guilt of Germany. Everywhere the
desire to clarify and interpret past
events is evident. But they do not
stop there. In them all there burns
the great question: Now what? There
is a will one can sense — a very strong
will, indeed — to continue from some-
where, and as a starting point for this
new continuity, they all have chosen
the same thing: Goethe's individual-
ity. Exactly there, where the great
abyss began — the abyss which
formed two different camps, the one
nationalistic and the other socialistic
— they wish to start anew. This new
way was almost systematically set
forth by Professor Ernst Beutler in
his magnificent little book. The Re-
awakening.'"
In it he maintains that the German
youth after Goethe did no want to
know anymore about "thinking and
wanting", but about "wanting" alone,
"until at last in the streets of disaster
we could hear that tragic sigh: 'we
must not think about it,' which was
the result of that spiritual attitude".
The interpretation of Faust also
ought to be changed, according to
Beutler. Faust was never considered
by Goethe as a model character, a
hero, and the word "faustisch", often
employed by the Germans for their
own characterization, had never been
used by Goethe himself. Faust always
has been too much a man of mere
wishing, not wishing and thinking.
He ought to become a warning to the
German nation rather than its model
hero.
In addition to those works which
attempt to report events and those
which try to interpret them, there is
now appearing a still modest but
important group of books which tries
to pour recent experiences into some
literary form. We can divide such
works into those which merely report
events in some literary form and
those which go beyond and try to
come to some solution.
The quite well-known The Good
Rights' 1 , by Edschmidt, reports
events in the form of a novel. It deals
with the worries of a German author
during the last years of the war. There
also has recently appeared a book of
poems, Gedichte v -, by young Erich
Sanders, who writes, prays, com-
plains, and warns. But he makes no
attempt to interpret or to arrive at
(please turn to page 54)
52
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
'The great highroad of human welfi
he old highway of steadfast ivell-doing
Why some homes get better all the time
Homes, like human beings, need stout "constitutions". . .
which depend, in turn, on building products used. And
these are getting better all the time.
In building or remodeling today, you can choose weather-
defiant paint . . . warm-hued and lasting plastic tiles for
kitchens and bathrooms . . . hardware and window screens
of stainless steel or any-purpose plastics.
Yours, too, are heating installations with leakproof
welded piping and streamlined plumbing. To say nothing
of resin-glued plywood, good for decades as sheathing, sub-
flooring, doors and complete interior and exterior walls.
These are a few of today's countless building products
that give better service because into them go better basic
materials.
Producing better materials for the use of science and
industry and the benefit of mankind is the work of the
people of Union Carbide.
It takes basic knowledge and relentless research. Tremen-
dous pressures and extreme vacuums. Heat up to 6000°
and cold down to 300° below zero, Fahrenheit. Working
with these— and ivorking together— (he various Units of
UCC now separate or combine nearly one-half of the many
elements of the earth.
FREE: You are invited to send for the illustrated booklet, "Products
and Processes," ivhich describes the ways in ivhich industry uses
UCC's Alloys, Chemicals, Carbons, Gases, and Plastics.
Union Carbide
A1TZ> CAIZBOIV COHPOHATIOJr
30 EAST 42ND STREET [TTjj NEW YORK 17. N. Y.
> Products i>j Divisions and Units include
I.inde Oxygen • Prest-O-Lite Acetylene • Pyrofax Gas • Bakelite, Krene, Vinyon, and Vinylite Plastics
National Carbons • Eveready Flashlights and Batteries • Acheson Electrodes
Prestone and Trek Anti-Freezes • Electromet Alloys and Metals • Haynes Stellite Alloys • Synthetic Organic Chemicals
UNEXCELLED
fan friefianatioH,
Shaft mined from both 5th and 6th veins in the high
quality southern Illinois district . . . master refined by
the 7-step S-P method to a fixed percentage of improved
quality. 100% water washed. Stoker sizes assembled
mechanically and automatically so uniformity is pre-
cise. Each car check-tested by mine laboratories.
PEABODY COAL COMPANY
231 SOUTH LASALLE STREET CHICAGO 4, ILLINOIS
.»>."/V Springfield • St. Louis • Omaha • Minneapolis • Cincinnati • New York
(continued from page 52)
some answer.
Ernst Wiechert seems to be the
only one thus far who goes beyond
literary report into the realm of striv-
ing for clarification, if not solution.
In his Requiem 13 he recalls the hope-
less situation of the Hitler years, and
he expresses his belief that life can
be mastered only by those who can
take on sufferings with kind and will-
ing hearts. All classes o c the German
nation were affecte- by their cruel
rulers; only the others won the
struggle, since -they had taken on the
burden with pure and willing hearts.
"We did not bear hate, we did not
bear anger, we bore only love and the
seed and the fruit." Perhaps the very
widely known Stalingrad, by Pliv-
ier 14 , should be grouped here, too, but
its "solution" seems to be merely an
exaggerated presentation of the event
which brought forth the great suc-
cess of that book.
Though still very small, of course,
perhaps the most important group of
literature is pure literature, or belles-
lettres — works uninfluenced by re-
cent events. Probably no such writ-
ing is possible in present-day Ger-
many, or even in present-day Europe,
because recent political events de-
termine or influence almost any ar-
tistic creation, and they especially
influence writing. I refer here merely
to those works in which the events
of the last few years are not used as
a motif, milieu, or as background
philosophy. Such independent books
exist only in a small number. Even
as great a woman as Ricarda Huch
not yet has been able to create any
important work which escapes the
influence of recent experiences, al-
though even long ago she had tried
to isolate herself from this possibility
by escaping into past centuries. Hans
Carossa, also, is still too bewildered
to be strong enough to create a purely
literary work. In order to re-orient
himself, he is writing his life story at
present.
Werner Bergengruen, author of
the famous Tyran, seems to be more
successful because of his interest in
the Catholic Church and the Middle
Ages, and his recent works are pure
creations of literary art. The Three
Falcons^' is a novelette unspoiled by
references to the events of the last
decade. The only writer other than
Bergengruen who seems to be con-
tinuing his work logically without
being paralyzed too completely by
the last 15 years is Ernst Wiechert.
It is a little harder for him, since his
novels take place in the Germany
of about 1900 and later. Shortly after
the end of hostilities, his Children of
Jeromin 16 , a book without political
tendencies and a piece of purest z-t,
was published in Munich. It is a work
of reflection, rumination, and con-
centration.
Almost all motives of his former
great novels are being used again;
they are, however, not merely re-
peated, but are combined in various
ways to achieve something new. This
last novel of Wiechert's ends as all
recent works of this author, by prais-
ing the daily labor through which a
man obtains endurance and ability to
suffer. It contains, as does no previous
work by the same poet, many refer-
ences to Goethe, whose influence can
also be seen in the recent works of
Bergengruen, Carossa, and many oth-
ers. Similes, symbols and motives are
borrowed from that great German
master.
Thus, through the works of Wiech-
ert and other authors, it becomes
(please turn to page 56)
54
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
PREFABRICATED PIPING
ASSURES QUALITY and ECONOMY
iz One Source for Design and Fabrication
~k Pretested and Approved before Shipment
t*t Only Completed Assemblies billed - -
at Predetermined Prices
~k Predetermined but flexible Delivery Schedule
* Reduction in Field Assembly Time
A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF GRINNELL PU^'^RVICE
EVERYWHERE
GRINNELL COMPANY, INC.
txecufive Offices
P^OVIOINC*- 1, RHODE ISLAND
COMPLETE
Products Manufactured
Pipe and Tube Fittings
Engineered Pipe Hangers
Prefabricated Piping
Grinnell-Saiinders Diaphragm Valves I jtaumao
Thermolier Unit Heaters
Job Work Casting
Automatic Sprinklers and Special
Hazard Fire Protection Systems
Amco Humidification and
Cooling Systems
Other Piping Specialties
Supplier of . . .
Pipe, Valves and Fittings
Specialties for Plumbing, Heating, T»TT»TXT*~»
Water Works and General Piping WHENEVER FlFl-Nlx IS INVOLVED
ENGINEERING GRADUATES HAVE FOUND ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES WITH GRINNELL IN PIPING ENGINEERING
OCTOBER, 1947
55
EVERYTHING
IN WIRING
POINTS to-
NATIONAL ELECTRIC
THE COMPLETE LINE OF
RACEWAYS, WIRE, CABLES
AND FITTINGS
Sold nationally through electrical wholesalers
Notional Electric
Products Corporation
Pittsburgh 30. Pa.
Conference . . .
'Continued from page 27)
Id) "A Null Method for Determination of
Impedance in the 1 00-400 mc. Range" by
J. F. Byrne, Airborne Instruments Lab.,
Inc.
(el "New Cathode-Ray Oscillographs and Ap-
plications" by C. Berkley, A. B. DuMont
Labs., Inc.
19. FM BROADCAST DEVELOPMENTS
(a) "A 50 kw. FM Broadcast Transmitter" by
C. J. Starner, Radio Corporation of
America
(b) "A Pulse-Counter Type FM Station Mon-
itor" by David Packard and N. B. Schrock,
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Ic> "Transatlantic FM Transmission" by L.
B. Arguimbau and J. Granlund, Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology
id) "Phase Modulation Circuit" by S. M. Be-
leskas, Radio Corporation of America
20. ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS II
la) "Analysis of Oscillator Frequency Insta-
bility" by F. P. Fischer, University of Con-
necticut
lb) "Transient Behavior in Non-Linear Sys-
tems" by C. S. Roys, Syracuse University
lc) "Calculation of Operating Characteristics
of Electromagnetic Devices" by R. M.
Soria, American Phenolic Co., and T. J.
Higgins, Illinois Institute of Technology
(continued from page 54)
abundantly clear that present-day
publications in German-speaking
countries reach back to established
works, particularly to those of Goethe.
There has been, until now, no gen-
eral investigation of the subject of
recent German publications, with the
exception of an article by Thomas
Mann's son. Klaus Mann. In his
article Mann states that present-day
literary Germany is nothing but a-
vacuum in which a few old forces
are still lingering but gradually wan-
ing: Ricarda Huch, who is too old
to go on with he; work; Ernst Junger,
who worked for National Socialism;
Walter von Molo, who does not
count; Herman Hesae, who has be-
come a Swiss citizen. Wiechert is "all
right," Mann says, but not good
enough. Mann feels that Wi aiert is
too foggy and too teutonic, that he
is a nationalist and a mystic, and that
he is terribly vain (this from Klaus
Mann!). Hence, a vacuum, Klaus
Mann believes, which could be filled
artificially by importing literature by
the refugees (Mann, Werfel, etc.).
This possibility, unfortunately, is too
limited by military government reg-
ulations.
To me, the situation appears dif-
ferent. It reminds me of Stefan
George's verses in his New Reich, in
which he almost prophetically tells
about the tortured lute player who
destroyed his instrument because he
could not equal his admired partner,
and who in his knowledge of his own
insufficiency turned disciple and
herald of the greater one whose
heights he could not reach:
"Heb mich aui deine Hdh
Giptel — doch sturze mich nicht!
Nur was im schutzenden Schlaf
Wo noch kein Taster es spurt
Lang in tiefinnerstem Schacht
Weihlicher Erde noch ruht —
Wunder undeutbar fur heut
Geschick wird des kommenden
Tages".
Bibliography
1. Walter Widrr
Verlag. Zurich, 1946.
und Isolde, Cla
stliche Dichtung. Vom Dauernden in der
sit, Werner Classen Verlag. Zurich.
3. Ulnch von Hassell. Vom Andren Deutsch-
lend, Atlantis Verlag. Zurich, 1946.
4. Fabian von Schlabrendorff. Offiziere gegzn
Hitler. Europa Verlag, Zurich, 1946.
5. Ernst Wiechert, Der Totenwald. Rascher
Verlag, Zurich, 1946; in English: Forest of the
Dead, Greenberg Publishers, New York, 1947.
6. Julius Ebbinghaus, Zu Deu tsc hi and s
Sch/c/tsa/swende. Vittoria Klostermann Verlag.
Frankfurt a. M., 1946.
7. Karl Jasper. Die Schuldfrage. Artemis Ver-
lag, Zurich, 1946.
8. Wilhelm Hoffmann. Nach der Katatroph?,
Ramer Wunderlich Verlag, Tubingen, 1946.
9. Friedrick Meinecke, Die Deutsche Katss-
trophe, E. Brockhaus Verlag. Wiesbaden, 1946.
10. Ernst Beutler, Besinnung, Dieterichsche
Verlagsbunchhandlung, Wiesbaden, 1946.
11. Kasimir Edschmidt, Das gute Recht, Kep-
pler Verlag. Baden, 1946.
12. Erich Sanders. Cedichte, Privatdruck 1946.
13. Ernst Wiechert. Torenmesse, Rascher Ver-
lag. Zurich, 1946.
14. Theodor Plivier, Stalingrad, Verlag. 1946.
15. Werner Bergengruen, Die Frei Falken. Ver-
lag dor Arche, Miinchen, 1945.
16. Ernst Wiechert. Die Jeromin-Kinder, Zin-
nen-Verlag, Miinchen. 1945.
17. Klaus Mann, The Literary Scene in Ger-
many in Tomorrow. March, 1947.
#0/
56
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Clue: 31,700 would cover a pinhead
It is part of the wing surface ... an area so micro-
scopic that 31,700 spots like this would barely
cover a pinhead
You are looking at aluminum through an electron
microscope, the way Alcoa Research scientists look
at aluminum allovs in our laboratories. They get
down to aluminum's really fine points . . . explore
among the atoms.
Studying structures like this is one of the ways
Alcoa metallurgists learn how to improve aluminum
alloys and how to make new ones. By scientific
experimentation they combine with aluminum the
right amounts of the right metals to produce the
AIL(§®A
results they want . . . alloys as strong or stronger
than structural steel, at one-third the weight . . .
allovs that make better castings, forgings, extrusions
. . . alloys for innumerable uses
You wouldn't hear half, not even a hundredth as
much about aluminum today if it weren't for these
allovs that Alcoa Research has produced. Alumi-
num's great and growing usefulness springs directly
from their development. Nature made aluminum
light. Alcoa has made it strong and versatile and
low in cost. Aluminum Company of America, Gulf
Building. Pittsburgh 19. Pennsylvania.
MORE people want MORE aluminum for MORE uses than ever
first in ALUMINUM
OCTOBER, 1947
57
More Than Just Lumber
There are lots of places in the Chicago area where you
can buy lumber. If you want quick, friendly service, your
choice is more limited. And if you also want lumber cut and
fabricated to suit special requirements your best bet is the
new, modernized Schenk Lumber Co.
Telephone Portsmouth 1411.
SKIDS . PALLETS . CABINETS . TRAYS . CRATES . FRAMES . BOXES . SPECIAL SHAPES
FURNITURE . WOOD FIXTURES . FULL LINE OF LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS
Specialists in Serving
Industrial Accounts
- COMPANY
6601 So. CENTRAL Ave.
PORTSMOUTH - i Hi ,
Contributors . . .
(confinued from page 4)
Elmore Shaw Pettyjohn is the
director of the Institute of Gas Tech-
nology, an affiliate of Illinois Tech.
He received his B.A., B.S.E., and
M.S.E. degrees at the University of
Michigan. In addition to several
years of industrial experience as con-
sultant to numerous gas companies,
Mr. Pettyjohn completed research
projects on the use of bituminous
cokes, evaporation, and heat trans-
fer. He was an associate professor of
chemical engineering at the Univer-
sity of Michigan when he joined the
United States Navy in 1940. Mr.
Pettyjohn was promoted to the rank
of captain shortly before he returned
to civilian life in 1945. He accepted
his present post in April, 1945.
Fried rick K. Richter, associate
professor of foreign language and
literature at Illinois Tech, spent his
early life in Germany and received
the degree of doctor of philosophy at
Breslau university, Bonn, Germany.
Dr. Richter came to this country in
1937 and in 1941 joined the Illinois
Tech staff. He is also a painter, and
a number of his works have been
exhibited in the United States and
Europe. He has worked in the field
of race relations, and in 1944 he re-
ceived the distinguished interracial
cooperation service award. At one
time Dr. Richter served as assistant
editor of ETC.: A Review of General
Semantics.
Process Machinery
F. M. deBeers & Associates
20 N. Wacker Drive Rand. 2326
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
Representing — well known, successful, fully
qualified builders of modern, efficient
Process Machinery and Equipment
• MULTIPLE effect evaporators — all types.
• F.C. CONCENTRATORS — for high den-
sity work.
• FILTERS — Valler Pressure Units— contin-
uous pressure type — all styles rotary vac.
drum filters.
• SPIRAL, plate-type, counter-flow heat ex-
trol.
• MULTI-STAGE VACUUM UNITS — for
vac. cooling — vac. refrigeration. Steam jet
equipment — condensers.
• CHEMICAL STONEWARE — Mid-West-
ern representatives General Ceramics Co.
5S
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
DECEMBER, 1947
mm
TOR EVERY
SMOKER, y jf;
\MI I
CIGARETTES
A carton of Camels will bring a happy Yule-
tide smile to any cigarette smoker on your
list. These cartons come all dressed up in a
strikingly handsome Christmas design with
a "gift card" right on top.
Remember: More people
are smoking Camels than
ever before!
Prince
Albert
SMOKING TOBACCO
Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco
— for pipes or roll -your -own
cigarettes — is America's biggest-
selling tobacco. Smokers know it
as the National Joy Smoke be-
cause it's so rich tasting, so mild
and easy on the tongue. You'll
enjoy giving Prince Albert— in
the colorful Christmas-wrapped
one-pound tin.
Contributors . . .
John T. Rettaliata is professor and
director of the department of me-
chanical engineering at Illinois Tech.
He received his bachelor's degree in
1932 and his doctorate in 1936, both
at Johns Hopkins university. He
taught mathematics and engineering
at Baltimore College Center while
engaged in his graduate study. In
1936 he took charge of the calcula-
tion and development division of
Allis-Chalmers steam turbine depart-
ment, and later was appointed man-
ager of the research and gas turbine
division. In 1941 he was awarded
the junior award of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers for
his paper on the "Combustion Gas
Turbine" and in 1942 he received
the Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal
Award for outstanding achievement
in mechanical engineering. During
the war he traveled to Europe on
two special missions, involving jet
propulsion aircraft and enemy tech-
nical developments, for the United
States government. He joined the
Illinois Tech staff in 1945. He has
published numerous papers in his
field.
Linton E. Grinter, research pro-
fessor of civil engineering and me-
chanics at Illinois Tech, has published
five books on structural analysis and
design and has written numerous
articles on indeterminate structures.
His essays, "The Education of Engi-
neers for Latin America" and "When
Will Skyscrapers Rise Again" ap-
peared in the March, 1947, and Oc-
tober, 1947, issues of this magazine,
respectively. A short biographical
sketch of Dr. Grinter can be found in
the October, 1947, issue.
Benjamin Lease is instructor in
English at Illinois Tech. After receiv-
ing his bachelor's degree at Indiana
university in 1939, Mr. Lease did
publicity and newspaper work in
Wisconsin for several years. He en-
tered the University of Chicago for
graduate study in 1942 and received
his master's degree the following
(Please turn to page 4)
COVER PICTURE— Sharpe S.
Stanfield, graduate student in archi-
tecture, works on skyscraper models
in the architecture laboratory.
VOLUME 13
NUMBER 2
DECEMBER, 1947
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
Jsn this isiue
GAS TURBINES AND JET PROPULSION 6
By John T. Rettaliata
RELATIVE VALUES IN EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN
SYSTEMS OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION . 9
By Linton E. Grinter
JOHN NEAL— YANKEE EXTRAORDINARY 11
By Benjamin Lease
COOPERATION BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION 14
By Henry T. Heald
ILLINOIS TECH BUILDS 16
By James W. Armsey
TECHNOLOGY'S HERITAGE _ 19
By Mentor L. Williams
MIDWEST POWER CONFERENCE _ 36
JAMES W. ARMSEY, Editor
THELMA L. COLEMAN, Business Manager
Associate Editors
THEODORE A. DAUM FREDERICK W. JAUCH
Student Staff
SHERWOOD BENSON R. ROBERT LYDEN
BERTRAM A. COLBERT MACK McCLURE
WILLIAM B. FURLONG FRANK R. VALVODA
AARON L. ZOLOT
Published October, December, March and May.
Subscription rates, $1.50 per year.
Editorial and Business Office, Illinois Institute of 7ecfino/ogy,
3300 Federal St., Chicogo 16, Illinois.
DECEMBER, 1947
PROBLEM — You're designing a taxi-cab meter. You have worked out
the mechanism that clocks waiting time and mileage and totals the
charges. Your problem now is to provide a drive for the meter from some
operating part of the cab— bearing in mind that the meter must be
located where the driver can read it and work the flag. How would
you do it?
THE SIMPLE ANSWER
Use an S.S.White power drive flexible shaft. Connect one end to a
take-off on the transmission and the other to the meter. It's as simple as
that— a single mechanical element that is easy to install and will
operate dependably regardless of vibration and tough usage. That's
the way a leading taximeter manufacturer does it as shown below.
• • *
This is just one of hundreds of power drive and remote control prob-
lems to which S.S.White flexible shafts are the simple answer.
That's why every engineer should be familiar with the range and
scope of these "Metal Muscles" for me-
chanical bodies.
WRITE FOR BULLETIN 4501
It gives essential facts and engineering
data about flexible shafts and their appli-
cation. A copy is yours for the asking.
Write today.
KITE DENTAl MFC. CO. i #W OU5TK.IAL
Out o$ t4»tcUcM A AAA 1«d u«9ite( SttenpUM*
(Continued from page 3)
year. He taught humanities and Eng-
lish at the University of Chicago for
three years before joining the staff
of Illinois Tech in 1946.
Henry T. Heald is president of
Illinois Institute of Technology, Ar-
mour Research Foundation of Illi-
nois Institute of Technology, and the
Institute of Gas Technology. He re-
ceived his bachelor's degree in engi-
neering at the age of 18 at Washing-
ton State college and two years later,
in 1925, was awarded his master's at
the University of Illinois. From 1925
to 1927 he was a practicing engineer
in Pullman, Wash., and in Chicago.
He joined the staff of Armour Insti-
tute of Technology as assistant pro-
fessor of civil engineering in 1927.
In 1931 he became an associate pro-
fessor and in 1934 he was made pro-
fessor. Dr. Heald became acting
president of Armour Tech in Octo-
ber, 1937, and seven months later he
was named president. He became
president of Illinois Tech in July,
1940, when Armour Tech and Lewis
Institute merged to form the present
institute. In 1940 the National Jun-
ior Association of Commerce named
him one of the "Ten Outstanding
Young Men in America" and in the
same year he won the distinguished
service awards of both the Chicago
and Illinois Junior Association of
Commerce. He received an honorary
doctor of engineering degree from
Rose Polytechnic Institute and an
honorary doctor of laws degree from
Northwestern university in 1942. He
served in numerous capacities dur-
ing the war, and in 1945 won the
Navy Award for Distinguished Civil-
ian Service. Dr. Heald also engages
extensively in civic work.
James W. Armsey, director of
public relations at Illinois Tech, ob-
tained his bachelor's degree in jour-
nalism and his master's in political
science, both at the University of Illi-
nois. During the war, he was an
Army public relations officer in
Washington, D. C, Camp Kohler,
Calif., Fort Douglas, Utah, and the
India-Burma theater. In India, he
was assistant PRO of the theater.
(Please turn to page 54)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Chemistry gives lumber
longer life . • •
If nod specimen-, ichieh slimr the excellent preservative
i/mdilies of 1'iiiliitltl'ii /ilie/ml. 1 he tun pieces on the
right nere iniprcgniitetl tilth this protection against
decay, --ill four pieces tcere buried underground for
six years in a Dow test plot.
Growing trees can fight their own battles against many common
destructive forces. Nature has seen to that. But power poles, fence
posts and structural lumber are dead wood and suffer greatly from
insect attack and the conditions that create decav. Here's where the
chemist steps in and takes over nature's job to give lumber longer life.
During the past decade, notable progress has been made in developing
preservative treatments for the protection of wood. Studies under-
taken by Dow technicians have resulted in a new preservative known
as Pentachlorphenol which is being used successfully without the
attendant disadvantages of the older commonly used materials.
Pentachlorphenol gives every assurance of greatly extending the
usefid life of lumber.
Development of chemicals for treating lumber is only one phase of
the work that is constantly underway at Dow. Our interests range
from ultra-light magnesium to chemicals that promote the health of
the Nation and the progress of every industry.
The scientific mind and method are of first importance to Dow.
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
Cleveland • Detroit
Los Angeles • Seattle
Chemical of Ca
• Washington
San Francisco <
i. Limited, Toronto, Ontario
DOW
CHEMICALS INDISPENSABLE
TO INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE
DECEMBER, 1947
Gas Turbines
and
Jet Propulsion
by JOHN T. RETTALIATA*
AT THE PRESENT TIME, the
/■^ combustion type of gas turbine
is receiving much publicity both in
the United States and abroad. Such
recent attention may cause it to be
erroneously considered as an inven-
tion of modern times, whereas, in re-
ality, the first patents were taken out
for one during the latter part of the
eighteenth century. Even at that
early date inventors appreciated the
advantages of a prime mover with
purely rotary motion and, also, of one
devoid of the complexities existing in
a steam plant. With a background of
so many years, it is natural to inquire
why the cycle has not found practical
application before now.
In the early days, the main difficul-
ties with the gas turbine were the lack
of available materials to withstand
the high temperatures needed to pro-
duce good overall thermal efficiency
and a compressor of adequate effi-
ciency that would make the cycle
feasible. Only in recent years have
these two obstacles been overcome:
today's better materials enable ele-
vated temperatures, up to 1600 F in
the case of aircraft gas turbine super-
charges, to be used; and an axial com-
pressor, upon which years of aerody-
namical research have been spent,
affords the necessary high-efficiency
compressor element.
The subject of gas turbines is ex-
ceptionally comprehensive and space
will limit the scope of this paper. The
first part of the paper will deal with
design features of construction of a
modern combustion type of gas tur-
bine, the second with cycle perform-
ance characteristics, and the third
with some suitable applications, in-
cluding, in particular, jet propulsion.
Design features
A gas turbine operating on the
basic cycle is shown in Fig. 1. The gas
turbine at the left is connected to an
axial compressor in the center which,
in turn, is connected to a generator on
the right. Air from the atmosphere
enters the intake of the compressor,
and traverses the axial flow blading
where it is compressed to a pressure
of approximately 45 psig. It leaves
the compressor and part of it flows to
the internal part of the fuel burner
where it is used for combustion pur-
poses. The remaining and larger por-
tion flows through the annular space
between the inner and outer burner
shells and then mixes with the prod-
ucts of combustion, cooling them to a
satisfactory turbine inlet tempera-
ture. The heated gases then pass
through the turbine and are ex-
hausted to atmosphere. The power re-
quired by the compressor is less than
that developed by the turbine so the
excess is furnished to the generator.
The unit is started by means of the
starting device shown at the left.
A partially completed gas turbine,
in course of shop erection, is shown in
Fig. 2. The axial compressor is shown
at the right directly coupled, through
the solid coupling, to the reaction
type of gas turbine shown on the left.
Air from the atmosphere enters at the
center, flows to the right through the
compressor, and is discharged at the
high pressure and to a combustion
chamber, not shown in this view.
Heated gases from the chamber then
enter the turbine through the passage
shown at the left, pass through the
turbine and are discharged to atmos-
phere.
The majority of the gas turbines
built by Allis-Chalmers to date have
been used in the Houdry catalytic
cracking process in the manufacture
of high octane gasoline. In this par-
ticular application the oil refinery is
interested in obtaining large volumes
of compressed air to reactivate a ca-
talyst in the process. Accordingly, no
combustion chambers are used on
this type of gas turbine as the process
* Professor and directo
departmen
of mechani-
cal engineering, Illinois
te o
Technology.
This article is a condens
a paper presented
by Dr. Rettaliata before
the An
n Institute of
Mexico
City
Mexico, Au-
gust 28. 1947.
Fig. 1. The gas turbine axial blower unit.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Fig. 2. A 23,000 cfm gas turbine axial blower unit with the top half of the casing removed.
itself acts in this capacity. The unit
of Fig. 2 is one of the Houdry tur-
bines. It is rated in accordance with
its compressor capacity which is 23,
000 cfm, referred to standard condi-
tions at the compressor intake.
The turbine blades, of unit con-
struction, are milled from solid stain-
less steel bar stock so that the highly
desirable integral roots result. Lacing
wires are inserted in the spindle
blades for stiffening purposes, in or-
der to reduce bending stresses and in-
crease the natural frequency of the
blades.
The axial flow cylinder and spindle
compressor blading has separate
spacer pieces, and the blades are held
in place by their alternate insertion
with spacers in grooves in the casing
and spindle. In order to approach the
ultimate in efficiency the blades have
airfoil sections, and the change in mo-
mentum of the motive fluid per stage
is less than in the turbine.
In the fuel oil burner element,
some of the air discharged from the
compressor enters the louvers and
passes to the internal portion, furnish-
ing air for combustion of the fuel. The
remaining and larger portion of the
DECEMBER, 1947
air flows through the annular space
defined by the outer surface of the
burner shell and the internal surface
of the combustion chamber. This air
is given a whirl by means of deflec-
tors, which causes it to be more inti-
mately mixed with the products of
combustion leaving the central pas-
sage. The louvers adjusting the
amount of air entering the internal
portion are regulated by means of an
external lever.
Performance characteristics
The performance characteristics of
a gas turbine are determined princi-
pally by the maximum temperature
of the cycle, the ratio of the maximum
Fig. 3. The regenerative cycle with
reheating and intercooling.
and minimum pressures existing si-
multaneously and the nature of the
components comprising the cycle.
There are a multitude of possible
cycle arrangements, and the adoption
of a particular cycle is influenced by
the type of application involved.
If it is desired to improve thermal
efficiency, a regenerative cycle may
be employed, wherein the turbine ex-
haust gas, before discharging to the
atmosphere, is used in a heat ex-
changer to preheat the compressor
discharge air prior to the entry of the
latter into the combustion chamber.
Further increases in thermal effi-
ciency may be achieved by adopting
a reheat feature where, before it
reaches the exhaust pressure, the ex-
panding motive fluid in the turbine is
withdrawn at an intermediate point
and reheated, usually to the same
temperature which it possessed at the
turbine inlet. After the reheating op-
eration, the high temperature gas
then re-enters the turbine and con-
tinues its expansion to the exhaust
pressure. Reheating increases the
positive work of the cycle by increas-
ing the amount of energy liberated by
the expansion of a given quantity of
gas through a prescribed pressure
ratio.
Improvements over the straight re-
generative cycle may also be realized
by employing intercooling in the
compressor. This operation may be
considered as the reverse of turbine
reheat, in that air is extracted at an
intermediate point in the compres-
sion process and cooled in a heat ex-
changer. The coolant is usually water.
The air leaving the intercooler at re-
duced temperature and volume is in-
troduced into the high-pressure side
of the compressor and compressed to
the final pressure. The intercooling
feature reduces the negative work of
the cycle by decreasing the amount of
energy required to compress a given
quantity of air through a stipulated
pressure ratio.
As may be expected, thermal effi-
ciency may be enhanced still further
by a combination cycle, Fig. 3, com-
prising all of the features listed in the
paragraphs above. It should be under-
stood that the foregoing cycle analy-
ses are by no means exhaustive, for
..!«... t....C«T VS T t„.I
jj.
;
|
.
■
•
s
S
--
"
^
: "
-
1 "
j
■^-~
-:r. :::"::::: :r.
:;:'■.
**
...
.....
....
Fig. 4. The effect of temperature
upon the maximum thermal effi-
ciency of the various cycles.
the number of conceivable cycle ar-
rangements is literally limitless. How-
ever, regardless of the cycle adopted,
it should contain some or all of the
components previously discussed.
These are representative of elements
which have been used in existing
cycles.
The thermal efficiency of a cycle
at a given turbine inlet temperature
will vary with pressure ratio, attain-
ing a maximum at a particular value
of the latter. So that a comparison of
the various cycles can be made, their
maximum efficiencies as a function
of temperature are plotted in Fig. 4.
The effect of elevated temperatures
on increasing thermal efficiency is
evident. Because of the improve-
ments associated with the use of
higher temperatures, real incentives
exist for metallurgical advances in de-
veloping alloys suitable for operation
in the upper temperature regions.
In Fig. 4, the performance data are
based on a turbine efficiency of 86
percent, a compressor efficiency of 84
percent, a combustion efficiency of 98
percent, a compressor intake temper-
ature of 60 F, and mechanical losses
of 0.5 percent in the turbine and also
in the compressor. In the cycles em-
ploying regeneration, the heat ex-
changer surface is 5 sq ft per coupling
hp, and the overall heat transfer co-
efficient from gas-to-air is 10 Btu per
(Please turn to page 22)
Fir>. 5 A 60,000 cfm axial compressor gas turbine unit, the largest in the world
8
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Relative Values In
European and American Systems of
Engineering Education
By LINTON E. GRINTER*
IT MAY appear strange for an
American who has never studied
in a European university to attempt
to compare the results of engineering
educational procedures used on the
two continents. However, American
engineering educators have had an
unusual opportunity during the dec-
ade of the dictators to observe the
strengths and the weaknesses of
European educational methods
through the medium of those students
who have come to the United States
to complete their undergraduate edu-
cation or to enter our graduate
schools.
We therefore may be able to offer
a critical comparison of the relative
values of these two systems of engi-
neering education. European teach-
ers have had an even better oppor-
tunity to observe American teaching
methods by their appointments as
teachers in our colleges. It becomes
clearer each year that their criticisms
and suggestions have gradually been
reshaping the American pattern of
higher education. Such interchange
of ideas and of criticism always re-
sults in improvements.
In the limited field of engineering
education it is perhaps safe to com-
pare European and American edu-
cational objectives without consider-
ing the many variations that exist in
the two hundred institutions in-
* Research professor of civil engineering and me-
chanics, Illinois Institute of Technology. This
article was prepared for presentation at the In-
ternational Congress for Engineering Education at
Darmstadt, Germany, by invitation from the Rec-
tor of the Technische Hochsehule Darmstardt,
Professor Dr. Richard Vieweg, and was delivered
in absentia, August 6, 1947.
volved. It seems fair to say that
European procedures at the univer-
sity level have had as an objective
the education of exceptional students.
It also seems fair to say that Amer-
ican universities have directed their
principal attention toward the aver-
age student.
The result is that Europe has hand-
polished a limited number, or, in fact,
a small number of engineering sci-
entists, while America has mass-
produced a large number of practical
engineers. Fortunately, both con-
tinents have had some schools which
countered the basic trend, but the
emphasis has been as indicated.
It is only necessary to note that
about 2 2 5,000 baccalaureate stu-
dents were enrolled in the engineer-
ing colleges of the United States in
the fall of 1946, while perhaps no
more than 5,000 were similarly en-
rolled in England, to understand the
results of this great difference in edu-
cational philosophy. It is also possible
to evaluate the results in terms of dif-
ferences in industrial production.
The older continent has surpassed
in fine workmanship; the newer in
volume production. We now realize
that America has depended to an un-
wise extent upon scientific ideas from
Europe while Europe has, with equal
lack of vision, been slow to accept the
American invention of mass produc-
tion. Each must adopt certain fea-
tures of the educational plan of the
other if each is to progress as it
should.
In the United States there is great
need for deeper educational oppor-
tunities for exceptional engineering
students. The principal weakness of
our educational program in the uni-
versities stems from the philosophy
of mass education at the high school
level.
Since public education must con-
sider the average student rather than
the exceptional student, our univer-
sity system of education has natural-
ly granted opportunities to the result-
ing large numbers of high school grad-
uates. Such numbers preclude the
possibility of special attention to the
unique educational problems of the
exceptional student.
It remains for those colleges of
engineering under private control to
lead the way in providing exceptional
students with a more scientific educa-
tion in the engineering field — an edu-
cation leading to a career in research
and the scientific phases of design, or
in teaching. We have the graduate
schools where such studies may be
conducted at the post-graduate level,
but it is equally important that there
be early stimulation of the gifted stu-
dent in his undergraduate program.
It is self-evident that our present
group of 225,000 engineering stu-
dents cannot all be profitably trained
for the more scientific accomplish-
ments. Hence, two paths of engineer-
ing education will be required in
place of the single path or curriculum
that exists in America today.
DECEMBER, 194"
In Europe students have always
been treated as mature individuals
who were expected to understand the
necessity for unguided study. Excep-
tional students react favorably to
such instruction, but more direct
guidance is necessary for students of
average ability. We know this to be
true because European teachers in
America have not, in general, ob-
tained good results in their first years
of teaching American students.
After a period of experience in an
American univers'ty, the European
teacher learns to assign problems to
be turned in for grading and other-
wise to set tasks essential to the un-
derstanding of the subject which
those students who are not excep-
tional will perform.
If Europe is to reconstruct itself
and rebuild its leadership of the past,
it will be forced to train engineers in
much larger numbers than hereto-
fore. The scientific developments of
the war years, and those that are now
reaching the production stage in in-
dustry, require large numbers of sci-
entists, engineers and technicians for
construction, production and main-
tenance, in addition to those needed
for research and design.
We realize that Europe has not
depended upon schools of engineer-
ing for all of its technical personnel.
Fortunately there have been more
and better technician training schools
in Europe than in America; also, ap-
prenticeship training has been effec-
tive. However, there are jobs for a
much larger number of real engineers
than can ever be supplied from the
limited number of young men (and
women) who are in the exceptional
group. And it seems doubtful that
technicians trained in a two-year or
three-year period can serve as ade-
quate substitutes.
Our experience with shortened pe-
riods of training during the war years
does not recommend that that pro-
cedure become universal. In our
opinion, in America a rather large
number of young men of only aver-
age ability (for university students)
are needed with full four-year engi-
neering training. Apparently it will
require considerable change in the
program of European higher educa-
tion before this need can be fulfilled.
As a contribution to the usefulness
of young engineers who are expected
to hold positions in construction, pro-
duction, operation and maintenance,
rather than research and the higher
phases of design. European institu-
tions will need to place greater em-
phasis upon laboratory and practical
design courses. We have observed
that European students who come to
America are commonly proficient in
the use of mathematics but deficient
in the skill of handling laboratory
equipment.
If this interest in the theoretical
side of engineering education is as
common to those students who re-
main in Europe as to those who have
migrated to America, it is clear that
there must be dark bands in the
spectrum of European education cor-
responding to the fields of laboratory
and pilot plant experimentation and
practical design studies. It will there-
fore be necessary to expand labora-
tory facilities and, of course, to mod-
ernize all educational laboratories in
step with recent technological ad-
vances. Much equipment in Amer-
ican institutions is far from modern,
but when revised to demonstrate
modern usages, it remains service-
able.
The writer's visit to European edu-
cational institutions in 1946 con-
firmed the natural assumption that
European education, like American
education, is due to undergo major
changes in the reconstruction period.
Everywhere our youth are demand-
ing the opportunity of higher educa-
tion, and nothing is more certain than
that youth, in this regard, will have
to be served.
In England the question of wheth-
er Cambridge and Oxford Universi-
ties should accept larger numbers of
students was reaching the stage of
national discussion in the summer of
1946. The mere fact that the matter
was on the front page of London
newspapers for several days is an
indication that the issue was consid-
ered no minor one.
It is at least fortunate that the
demand of youth for a university edu-
cation in the technical field coincides
with the cry of industry for more and
more engineers. Perhaps we shall
prove again the experience of past
decades that more engineers always
produce more jobs for engineers.
Is it not possible that the number
of persons of engineering training
that can be used economically by in-
dustry may eventually reach or per-
haps exceed the number of persons
whose interests and abilities make
them proper recipients of education
in this field?
It has seemed clear for some years
that we are never likely to stimulate
as many persons to surmount the dif-
ficulties involved in achieving the
level of the doctorate in engineering
as industry and education would de-
sire. Perhaps we shall find that the
same situation exists at the level of
the first baccalaureate degree in the
engineering field.
It would be comforting to know
that our visions of overproduction of
engineers were merely phantoms. At
least in Europe, there can be no prob-
ability of overproduction of engi-
neers until reconstruction and the
natural expansion occasioned by
adoption of new technical ideas has
reached its peak a decade from now.
If national economics can match
technical accomplishments, no wan-
ing of industrial activity need occur.
When we consider the engineering
aptitudes of mathematical ability,
visual perspective, a practical sense
of values and capacity for making
decisions, it seems clear that the
world as a whole is not likely soon to
be over supplied with engineering
leaders, nor perhaps with those who
follow these leaders.
10
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
YANKEE
EXTRAORD
by BENJAMIN LEASE
A GENIUS IS RARELY under-
stood or appreciated until he
has stopped being one; in due time,
people start hunting for his grave and
erect a monument at the most likely
spot. A genius has only himself to
blame, for he is, by nature, too far
ahead of the present to be there when
the future discovers him. His mes-
sage is not for his own time but for all
time; and his contemporaries are like
the customers in the front row at the
movies: too close to get a good look.
This is to say that the history of a
people is not the same as the history
of great men. Certainly, the genius
has his roots in his own time, but the
student of history is likely — and un-
derstandably so — to be diverted by
the infinite spreading branches. The
historian may frequently learn more
about what the past is like from lesser
men, from men who have not sur-
vived their own times. Hawthorne
and Emerson and Whitman and Mel-
ville and Thoreau were closer to pro-
found and electrical ideas than to the
men about them. They observed the
world in which they lived but they
saw with the transforming eyes of the
seer. The diary of a day-laborer of
the 1840's would be far more valu-
able to the American social historian
than all the journals of Emerson.
This is not to say that the history
of a people is the same as a history of
mediocre men. Many extraordinary
men are forgotten shortly after the
last obituary is filed. They are for-
gotten because their contributions,
startling and influential though they
may be, are primarily timely rather
than timeless.
stitute of Tee
Such a man was John Neal. There
is probably no more remarkable and
colorful figure in the history of Amer-
ican letters. His life span — extending
from 1793 to 1876 — roughly paral-
lels the first century of America's ex-
istence as a political entity. (Shortly
before his death he negotiated for the
publication of a "centennial" edition
of his early novel of the Revolution,
Sevenry-Six.)
He was not a genius; but more than
the giants of the American literary
renaissance, Neal embodied many of
the transitional traits of the young
Republic: strident assertiveness, tre-
mendous energy, dogged courage and
honesty, self-conscious national pride,
excessive impatience with tradition
and any new discipline necessary to
take its place.
Self-reliance was his birthright. His
father, a Quaker schoolmaster in the
district of Maine, died when John and
his twin sister were a month old. His
mother thereupon opened a private
school and supported her family to
the best of her ability. Neal's formal
schooling was over when he was
twelve. During the next decade he
ran the gauntlet through a number of
jobs from shopkeeper's apprentice to
itinerant portrait artist. If audacity,
versatility and shrewdness are the
identifying marks of the Yankee
character, Neal was its walking em-
bodiment. As a dry-goods clerk he
learned about the shrewdness of the
Yankee trader:
"It was an established principle with us,
no matter what was wanted, always to show
the poorest first, thereby enhancing the
best by comparison; to keep the windows
and doorways so dark, partly by hanging
shawls and other showy goods both inside
and out, and partly by painting the back
windows, that people were often astonished
at their bargains, after they had got back
to their houses; not only the quality, but
the very color of their purchases, under-
going a change for the worse."
Too restless to stay long in one place,
Neal gave up clerking and became, in
turn, a writing master, a schoolmas-
ter, and a portrait sketcher. During
the War of 1812 he was actively and
profitably engaged in a variety of
speculative ventures up and down the
coast from Boston to Baltimore. To-
ward the end of the war, Neal entered
into a partnership in Baltimore with
John Pierpont. The post-war reces-
sion wiped out their business.
It was the turning point in Neal's
life. At twenty-three, penniless, and
with less than a grammar school edu-
cation, Neal determined to study law
in a city noted for distinguished law-
yers and rigorous bar requirements.
And to finance his studies, he deter-
mined to do that which no American
writer had hitherto succeeded in do-
ing — earn his living by his pen: No
one audacious enough to embark
upon such a venture could possibly
fail.
Neal was encouraged in his literary
efforts by his membership in the Del-
phian Club, a genteel literary society.
He promptly displayed a fund of
crude and inexhaustible energy that
A rare, previously - unpublished
photograph of John Neal.
DECEMBER, 1947
m The mm
i/.thesutho
miious, thai
The undersigned, (1) having entered into
some correspondence with the reputed author of
"Randolph;" who is. or is not. (2) sufficiently
described as John Neal, a gentleman by in-
dulgent courtesy: — inform- honourable men. that
he has found him unpossessed (3) of courage
to make satisfaction for the insolence of his
folly. (4)
Stating thus much, the undersigned commits
this Craven (5) to his infamy. (6)
El'WAl'D C. PINKNEY.
Baltimore, Oct. ll, lb23.
!e<si?nnl — quite diplomatic!:. (?) That is— I have challenged John Neat, who a, or is
of Handolph — bec.uts* tic ts. f3) Kcaulifnlly expressed. How much mere beautiful, and
to s»v— J found him -.ciihont courage, or de&itutc of courage. (i> To be read either
ic^ of his fully"— or -folly of his insolence." (.., Craven- Hlackstone- The >oung
read law, to irreat advantage. \0J Awful, to be SUN — what will become of poor Mr.
t dnomimj; or cvnsirnm'nr, rather. — V ".
A facsimile of the handbill in which Edward Pinkney charges Neal with
cowardice. Neal added the comments beneath and published the handbill
as an appendix to his novel Errata (1823).
amazed and almost terrified the re-
fined Delphians. Between 1816 and
1823, Neal poured forth five novels 1
(each in two volumes); a book of
poetry; a five-act tragedy; hundreds
of articles for the magazines and
newspapers; and two huge literary
hack-jobs: he collaborated in the
ghost-writing of Allen's History of the
American Revolution, and compiled
a General Index to the First Twelve
Volumes of Niles' Weekly Register.
And by 1823, he had secured admis-
sion to the Maryland bar and estab-
lished a flourishing practice.
Naturalness and originality
In all of Neal's criticism, his central
dictum was: Be Yourself! At a time
when most American writers were
well-mannered and imitative, Neal
stormed for naturalness and original-
ity. His ultra-nationalism was no
bumptious chauvinism but a logical
extension of this central concern. A
great literature could be achieved
only when writers rejected literary
models and followed the dictates of
their own observations and emotions.
Neal exhorted writers to observe
those objects which move us in na-
ture, to note how vastly different they
were from the ordinary productions
of authors:
"Nature is direct. — Her eloquence is of
the blood — the crowded sky — the thought
breaks upon you, clap after clap, till your
whole nature is disordered. Call up a moth-
er, who has just lost her infant — bid her tell
her story — look at her — study her. There is
no wearying preparation. She repeats the
same thing, over and over again, a hundred
times. — There is no poetry; no play of the
imagination, in what she says. There is not
even the simplest observance of rule — her
sentences are short — broken — exclamatory
— familiar — colloquial — vulgar, it may be,
and ungrammatical. But your tears follow
— and your heart heaves to it. Can you im-
prove it? Take it home — dress it up into an
oration — dramatize it — and lo! the essence,
that volatile and penetrating spirit, which,
from the broken hearted mother, set all
ycur arteries weeping, that has escaped!"
It was this vein of natural self-ex-
pression that Neal attempted in his
novels. Many young people — includ-
ing Longfellow and Hawthorne —
were greatly captivated by the result.
But many more were convinced that
these formless, chaotic productions
were the work of a madman. For, ac-
cording to one critic, Neal's pen
"mingles with any thing and every thing.
It preaches; it prays; it reviews; it criti-
cizes; it travels and romances; it talks Eng-
lish, an Indian, and New-England yankee.
it is now divine, anon a braggart; now in
the wilderness, with savages and beasts,
anon in churches and temples; now here,
anon in Europe; ambitious everywhere, ec-
centric every where, full of furious and fiery
emotions, without distinguishing time or
place, or the fitness of things, or dignity of
character."
It was inevitable that such free-
talking, outspoken writing would get
Neal into trouble. Neal incorporated
into his novel, Randolph, an eight
page caustic commentary on the
statesman, William Pinkney; Pink-
ney retaliated by dying shortly before
the book was published. But Neal,
with characteristic stubborness, re-
fused to alter his criticism, heaping
coal upon the fire by stating his rea-
sons in a footnote. Challenged to a
duel by Pinkney's son, Neal, consist-
ent with the anti-duelling views ex-
pressed in his first novel (Keep
Cool), rejected the offer. He was
promptly posted for cowardice.
Thereupon, Neal, with his usual au-
dacity, published his entire corre-
spondence with Pinkney — including
the hand-bill branding him a coward
— as an appendix in his next novel,
Errata.
!i \< in i. dyer:
A NORTH AMERICAN STORY.
FOUTT.AND:
The title page of John Neal's Rachel
Dyer, "the first novel to develop the
tragic implications of the Salem
witchcraft trials of 1692 as more
than a background for sentimental
romance".
12
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
John Neal in England
Late in 1823, Neal left Baltimore
for England to enter upon the most
extraordinary chapter in an extra-
ordinary career. His novels had cre-
ated a flurry, and he was hopeful of
extending his reputation over-seas.
Logan and Seventy-Six had been re-
published in England and received
favorable notices; Neal thought he
could negotiate the republication of
his other novels. And, in addition,
Neal was determined to puncture the
prevailing pompous attitude of cul-
tered Britain toward American litera-
ture — an attitude epitomized by Syd-
ney Smith's scornful query: "Who
reads an American book?"
Neal's invasion of England was
phenomenally successful. True, he
failed in his republication venture
and published only one new novel
during his three and a half year visit.
(The novel was Brother Jonathan, in
three volumes totalling 1,322 pages;
one British critic conjectured that its
author must have employed u both his
hands at the same time, one on one
volume, and the other on the other." )
But Neal did succeed in flooding the
British magazines with aggressive ar-
ticles defining American institutions,
literature, and character.
His most amazing performance
was a series of articles in Blackwood's
Magazine which may be regarded as
the first history of American litera-
ture. Writing in the guise of an Eng-
lishman, Neal presented in alphabeti-
cal sequence, commentaries on 137
American authors — including John
Neal. In his criticism, Neal patron-
ized neither his countrymen nor his
hosts. He valued writers according to
how they measured up to his central
criterion: the character of the author,
as reflected by his work. Bryant's
temperament was too cool for poetry;
Washington Irving lacked original-
ity; Fenimore Cooper was too timid
— his characters talk too well and are
too much alike because, otherwise,
the author might be charged with
their crudity. Neal, on the other hand,
according to Neal, was guilty of the
more commendable evil of excess, or
"prodigality" :
"Neal is altogether too much of a poet.
He overdoes everything — pumps the light-
A view of the Broadway Tabernacle in New York where John Neal lectured
on the "Rights of Women", January 24, 1843.
ning into you, till HE is out of breath, and
YOU, in a blaze. — In his lucid intervals,
he appears to be a very sensible fellow; but,
in his paroxysms — there is not a page of
his, that wouldn't take fire, in a high wind.
He writes volume after volume, to the tune
of three or four a-month; hardly one of
which it is possible to read through; and
yet, we could hardly open at a passage,
without finding some evidence of extra-
ordinary power — prodigious energy — or
acute thinking."
British customs and institutions
did not escape Neal's caustic pen.
Here are his observations, written
after his return, on a first visit to
hallowed Westminster Abbey:
"I saw too a crowd of people, with their
hands in their pockets, running after a guide,
all bare-headed and most of them with lips
blue and teeth chattering — perhaps with
awe — perhaps with cold. I saw moreover
a marble countess on her way up to a
marble sky — with a chair of state placed
for her in the clouds, and a marble cherub,
who occupied another chair, waiting for her
to arrive. I saw men of a warlike shape
armed cap-a-pie, with wigs on. I saw the
figure of death, a skeleton such as we see
in our picture-books, or in our sleep when
we are naughty, issuing out of a marble safe
with iron doors and aiming a serf of spear at
a marble woman, which a marble man was
upholding, if I do not mistake, with his
right arm in the air. I saw a party of sober
people, who had come to the show and paid
their six pences a little too late, galloping
after the guide, just near enough to be al-
ways a little too late for whatever he had
to say; so that while he was describing the
achievements of Edward the Black-Prince,
they were looking at Queen Elizabeth; and
all the notice he took of them was to order
their hats off, 'by order of the Dean,'
though we were shivering with cold, and
they hot with exercise."
The return to Portland
Neal returned to his native Port-
land in 1827, opened a law-office, es-
tablished a literary weekly, The
Yankee, and gave lessons in fencing
and sparring on the side. As editor
and publisher, Neal encouraged the
early literary efforts of Whittier,
Dana, Hawthorne and Poe. He filled
the magazine with his own contribu-
tions, the most notable of which was
a series of articles on the theory of
drama; in it, he called for a new, col-
loquial, domestic American drama in
place of the versified, artificial, high-
flown tragedies of the period.
He continued his campaign for nat-
ural eloquence in all of his writings —
and they were voluminous and varied
— to the end of his life, almost half a
century later. In three novels be-
tween 1828 and 1833, he applied his
critical principles with striking varia-
tion.
Rachel Dyer (1828) was the first
(Please turn to page 38)
DECEMBER, 1947
Cooperation Between
Industry and Education
by HENRY T. HEALD*
YOUR INDUSTRY WORKS in
close cooperation with the uni-
versities and research laboratories of
the nation; your equipment is in the
forefront of scientific development.
Because I think it will be of interest
to you, I shall begin with a brief re-
sume of the work of colleges and uni-
versities in this post-war period.
College enrollments increased
steadily from less than 250,000 stu-
dents in 1900 to nearly 1,500,000 stu-
dents in 1940. In only one year —
1933, the middle of the depression, as
you will recall — was there a decrease.
Part of this increase resulted from the
rapid growth in population. Even so,
the percentage of youths in the 18-
through-2 1 age bracket attending col-
leges rose from 4 per cent in 1900 to
more than 15 per cent in 1940. Be-
cause of the war, enrollment dropped
substantially after 1940. By autumn
1945, total college attendance was
less than one million.
The end of the war brought a tre-
mendous upswing. The flood of vet-
erans reached the colleges by the fall
of 1946, and enrollment soared to an
all-time high of nearly 2,100,000.
More than half were veterans. Total
enrollment this fall promises to ex-
ceed last year's figure — perhaps by
15 per cent. Future college enroll-
ment is a subject for all kinds of pre-
dictions.
The Veterans Administration re-
ports that 40 per cent of all veterans
have already applied for certificates
of eligibility for education and train-
ing under the GI Bill of Rights. Un-
doubtedly, many will not be used;
others will take on-the-job and voca-
* President, Illinois Institute of Technology; pres-
ident, Armour Research Foundation of Illinois In-
stitute of Technology; president. Institute of Gas
Technology. This article is a condensation of Dr.
Henry T. Heald
tional training. The U. S. Office of Ed-
ucation estimates that, in addition to
the more than one million veterans
enrolled in 1946, another one and
two-thirds million eventually will
seek education at the college level.
Veterans have nine years after the
end of the war, or after their discharge
from service — whichever is later — to
complete their education. For all but
a small fraction, this means nine years
from 1947.
However, I believe that a high per-
centage of veterans who plan to at-
tend institutions of higher learning on
a full-time basis already have taken
steps to begin. Indications are that
the veterans' enrollment peak will be
passed before 1950. This does not
necessarily mean a decrease in total
college population. If long-term
trends continue — if educational facil-
ities are readily available — and if
economic factors do not interfere —
college enrollments may well be
maintained permanently at a figure
in excess of three million.
To provide for the tremendous in-
crease in students last year, colleges
have had a difficult task. Institutions
in almost every category have served
more students than ever before.
Classroom space, instructors, and liv-
ing quarters have been inadequate
in many cases. But on the whole, a
pretty satisfactory job has been done.
It has been made easier by the serious
attitude of the veterans; they have
given an excellent account of them-
selves. The veteran usually has done
better work than the non-veteran stu-
dent; he has demonstrated a sincer-
ity, a staying power, and a capacity
for work which augur well for the fu-
ture of the nation; he has not devel-
oped some of the undesirable char-
acteristics which a few college admin-
istrators predicted. Most of the ex-
pected problems of veterans' adjust-
ments simply failed to occur.
Because of their war experience
and because of war-time develop-
ments in science and technology, vet-
erans in large numbers have selected
engineering courses. Before the war,
enrollment in engineering constituted
about 6 per cent of the total. Today
the figure exceeds 10 per cent. This
increase promises to reduce, more
rapidly than expected, the shortage of
engineering personnel — a shortage
caused by war-time interruptions in
education. However, in my opinion,
this increase does not presage any
surplus of engineers and scientists in
the foreseeable future. In our modern
technological world, the percentage
of engineers and scientists in our em-
ployed population inevitably will
continue to rise.
Many persons believe that a large
number of veterans were unable to
enter college last year. Contrary to
this popular opinion, there is no evi-
dence that any substantial number of
veterans — or high school graduates
14
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
— were denied admission if they seri-
ously sought to enter college and pos-
sessed reasonable qualifications. It is
true that many could not enter the
college of their choice. For example,
many engineering students enrolled
in junior colleges and emergency col-
leges whose curricula includes only
the first two years of engineering
work. Because of space limitations,
these men are finding considerable
difficulty transferring to the upper
classes in other institutions.
Many colleges are somewhat more
selective in admissions than in pre-
war days. In so far as this insures edu-
cation for the more able students, the
trend seems desirable.
Freshmen who will enter college
this fall are finding space more read-
ily available than a year ago. At Illi-
nois Institute of Technology, the
freshman enrollment this year is 44
per cent veterans, compared with 63
per cent last year.
But despite the provisions for
steadily increasing enrollments, there
is no assurance that higher education
is making its maximum contribution
to the future of America. There are
as many well-qualified young people
who do not attend college as there are
who do. Some of those who do not at-
tend possess the potentialities for fu-
ture leadership in science, in industry,
in education, and in government.
I wonder if we can continue to af-
ford this waste.
All veterans have been given an
opportunity for an education for serv-
ice already performed. Should we
not be equally alert to see that our
ablest youths have an opportunity for
an education because of the service
they will be able to perform? I refer,
of course, to the problem of breaking
down economic barriers in order that
bright youth — whatever the condi-
tion of his parents' bank account —
may not be denied the chance to de-
velop his fullest potentialities. No
geographical area, no economic class,
no race or creed has any monopoly on
intelligence. Equal opportunities
should be available to all segments of
society.
Support of American higher educa-
tion traditionally has been the re-
sponsibility of the states and of pri-
vate philanthropy. Both public and
private universities have made im-
portant contributions to the educa-
tion of the people; both are stronger
because of their widely differing
sources of support. In recent years,
however, there has been a growing
tendency to shift more of the respon-
sibility for the support of college stu-
dents — and, indeed, the universities
themselves — to the Federal govern-
ment.
I wonder if, by doing this, we are
not taking the easy way. After all,
Federal funds come from the people.
The recent Congress demonstrated
how difficult it is to reduce a bureauc-
racy once it is well-entrenched. Much
of the same support now provided for
education by the Federal government
could be made available through in-
dependent action by individuals, cor-
porations, and local taxing units. Such
a procedure would place the respon-
sibility where it logically belongs.
And it would forestall the growing
tendency toward bureaucratic con-
trol of higher education.
Industry, education, and
government in research
President Truman, in a statement
issued August 27 in conjunction with
the release of his scientific advisory
board's report, said:
"We must constantly enlarge the boun-
daries of scientific knowledge in order to
continue to provide the benefits of full pro-
duction and full employment, and in order
to protect our democracy from the dangers
it faces in an uneasy world."
I think most of us agree that the ex-
tension of scientific knowledge is a
major factor in national survival.
War-time experience demonstrated
— with awe and foreboding — how
much we could achieve in applied sci-
ence in a short span of time — with
strong motivation and adequate
funds. Fortunately, many of the tools
for applied research were already
available in the form of fundamental
knowledge developed in the research
laboratories of universities, founda-
tions, and industry. Private enter-
prise and our American system of ed-
ucation were equal to the emergency;
and the freedom of inquiry so essen-
tial to scientific accomplishment bore
fruit in the applications which as-
sured our survival.
The scope of American research
has expanded enormously in recent
years, but in spite of this rapid ad-
vance, less than 15 per cent of all
firms with more than $500,000 in
gross annual sales are doing any re-
search.
I do not think that I need to argue
the case for industrial research. It is
estimated that as much as half of the
total employment in the United
States today results directly from the
production and distribution of prod-
ucts developed in research labora-
tories. Industrial research will con-
tinue to increase in the years ahead.
But this increase hinges on two major
factors, both of vital concern to uni-
versities:
1. The availability of an ade-
quate number of qualified research
workers. I am sure every man well
qualified for research work is now em-
ployed. Yet personnel is insufficient.
Nor will this deficiency be remedied
rapidly. The modern research man
needs six or seven years of college
training; and the output of the uni-
versities, practically non-existent dur-
ing the war, will not be adequate for
years to come — even with expanded
enrollments.
2. The growing need for the de-
velopment of basic knowledge in all
fields of science. Before the war,
(Please turn to page 42)
DECEMBER, 1947
15
inois Tech Builds
The new Chemistry Building (left background) and the Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering Building
(right foreground) under construction. These buildings are now in partial use. They will be completely ready
for occupancy in January.
midwestern technological institution
and at the same time to take the lead
in redeveloping the entire south side
area.
Dr. Henry T. Heald, president of
Illinois Tech, stated the case suc-
cinctly when he said:
"Chicago has 15,000 acres of blighted
or near-blighted land. For the fourth larg-
est city in the world, this is intolerable.
If the citizens of Chicago do not act now,
the malignant slum growth will shortly de-
stroy the city's civic vitality. I consider
slum clearance and rehabilitation the city's
most pressing problem."
Illinois Tech had hardly come into
existence before the physical de-
velopment program got underway.
The new modern campus — to be
built over a period of years — would
cover a 100-acre tract. But no sooner
had the initial plans been made than
the nation was thrust into World
War II.
The new institution forsook its own
program and plunged into an accele-
rated war training program. Through
its doors went 60,000 trained special-
ists who pooled their skills to aid in-
dustry and the armed services in
by JAMES W. ARMSEY*
SIX YEARS AGO, the trustees of
Illinois Institute of Technology
were confronted with a far-reaching
decision.
Armour Institute of Technology
and Lewis Institute, each with nearly
half a century of service to education,
had been consolidated to form the
new Illinois Tech. A major immedi-
ate problem was the location of the
new institution. Should it be de-
veloped at the site of one of the
former schools? Or should it be built
anew in other surroundings?
The Lewis campus encompassed
an area too small to develop a college
of the size envisioned by the trustees.
The Armour campus offered more op-
portunity for expansion, but it had
one extreme disadvantage. It had
been established in one of the city's
most desirable residential areas, but
the passing years had seen its envir-
ons swallowed up by the largest con-
tiguous slum area in any American
city.
On the other hand, Armour's hold-
ings on the near south side consti-
tuted a major investment in land,
buildings, and equipment. Further-
more, the new college's service to the
community rested in large measure
upon a central location, readily ac-
cessible to the bulk of the population
and close to the great industrial em-
pire centered in Chicago.
Rather than flee from the en-
croaching blight, the trustees decided
to stand and fight — to build a great
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
bringing a successful end to the great
conflict.
Development program moves
into high gear
With war's end, the long-delayed
but carefully-planned building pro-
gram moved into high gear. Work was
started on two more classroom and
laboratory buildings included in the
master plan of Ludwig Mies van der
Rohe, internationally famous archi-
tect who heads Illinois Tech's depart-
ment of architecture.
Illinois Tech's notable strides in
attaining its dual objectives of edu-
cation and research last year were
furthered by tangible progress in the
physical development of the campus
despite the many difficulties which
currently beset all types of construc-
tion.
Completion of two new permanent
buildings, the addition of five tempo-
rary war-surplus structures, and other
miscellaneous construction during the
past year will add close to 250,000
sq. ft. of floor space for educational
purposes — approximately doubling
that in use a year ago.
This will bring to nearly a half mil-
lion square feet the total floor space
in use for undergraduate and grad-
uate education and research on the
campus — all exclusive of the build-
ings in full and continuous use by the
Research Foundation.
The new Chemistry Building, with
modern facilities for teaching and re-
search in the expanded chemistry de-
partment, is now in use. It is a three-
story structure with 65,000 sq. ft. of
floor space, located at 33rd and State
streets, built at a cost of $740,000.
The building to house the metal-
lurgical and chemical engineering de-
partments has been delayed in con-
struction and probably will not be
fully in use until sometime after the
start of the second semester. It is a
two-story structure with 108,000 sq.
ft. of floor space, located at 32nd and
State streets, built at a cost of approx-
imately $960,000.
These two additions and Alumni
Memorial Hall, opened in 1945, will
complete one section of the new
campus. They provide splendid per-
manent quarters for an important
part of the Institute's program. Space
vacated in Main Building and Ma-
chinery Hall will permit expansion of
the departments of electrical engi-
neering, technical drawing, and me-
chanical engineering.
Equipment valued at a half-million
dollars will be installed in the two
new structures. About two-fifths of
this is new; the remainder is war-
surplus equipment assembled from
war-time installations and furnished
by the federal government at a small
cost to the college.
Metallurgical engineering equip-
ment — ovens, welding apparatus,
heat treating equipment, machine
tools, blowers, polishing wheels,
quenching and testing equipment, etc.
— is valued at $300,000. Chemistry
laboratories and tables are valued at
$175,000. The remaining $25,000 is
the evaluation of auditorium seating,
classroom chairs, and miscellaneous
equipment.
An additional 67,000 sq. ft. of floor
space is included in five temporary
buildings supplied and installed by
the Federal Works Agency, operating
under a congressional act to provide
educational facilities for veterans.
The buildings were furnished without
charge, but Illinois Tech paid for
landscaping and installing utilities,
walks, etc.
Illinois Tech was the first educa-
tional institution to request buildings
under the federal act, and one of its
five was the first moved and com-
pleted. The five, all one-story high,
are:
Temporary No. 1, a classroom and
laboratory building on the west side
of Federal street between 32nd and
33rd streets, contains 18,400 sq. ft. It
houses the greatly expanded business
and economics department, mechan-
ics department laboratories, drafting
James D. Cunningham, chairman of the board of trustees (left), and
President Henry T. Heald break ground for one of the two dormitories
now under construction. The ceremony took place October 7 at 32nd
street and Michigan avenue.
DECEMBER, 1947
17
Temporary Building No. 1, on Federal street between 32nd and 33rd streets, was one of the five war surplus
buildings given to the Institute by the Federal Works Agency. This building houses offices and classrooms.
rooms, classrooms, and instructional
staff offices.
Temporary No. 2, a classroom and
laboratory building on the west side
of Federal street between 34th and
35th streets, contains 9,600 sq. ft. It
provides quarters for the depart-
ments of industrial engineering and
psychology and education, laborator-
ies of these two departments, class-
rooms, drafting rooms, and instruc-
tional staff offices.
Temporary No. 3, a library annex
on the east side of Federal street be-
tween 34th and 35th streets, contains
6,000 sq. ft. It has enabled the library
staff to bring together for the first
time all of Illinois Tech's libraries. In
addition to 4,000 lineal feet of shelv-
ing for stacks, it contains a large read-
ing room for students.
Temporary No. 4, the South Stu-
dent Union, located on the north side
of 34th street between Federal and
Dearborn streets, contains 12,800 sq.
ft. It contains a cafeteria capable of
seating 300, student supply and book
store, study hall and lounge, and offi-
ces for the student staffs of the college
newspaper, yearbook, and student
association. The cafeteria
kitchen was completely furnished
with war surplus equipment.
Temporary No. 5, a gymnasium lo-
cated at 32nd and Dearborn streets,
contains 17,500 sq. ft. This structure,
largest of the five, provides Illinois
Tech with a complete gymnasium for
the first time. It houses the depart-
ment of physical education, including
offices, supplies and equipment stor-
age space, facilities for both men's
and women's athletics, space for in-
(Please turn to page 32)
The floor plan for the two new dormitories.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
EVERYONE KNOWS THAT
technology is, rightly or wrongly,
the measure of contemporary prog-
ress; few realize that progress, even
in this limited sense, is as ancient as
man himself. Fewer still give thought
to analyzing and understanding the
impact of technology upon our civili-
zation — its organization, its institu-
tions, and its mores. It is a shameful
fact that if one talks to an engineer or
an engineering student born after
1900, one will discover that the
world's Dark Age came to an end with
the advent of Marconi, Edison, and
the Wright Brothers. Nothing of sig-
nificance to the technological world
had its existence before the World's
Columbian Exposition in Chicago in
1893. A feeling for the past, for his-
toricity, is notably absent among
those who develop and direct the
technical achievements of today.
There are several reasons that can
be advanced to explain this regret-
table situation. History, as generally
taught, lays emphasis on political and
military fact. Only more recently has
it begun to examine broader institu-
tional patterns; social history has
tried to make us aware of how people
behaved at a given time; economic
history has helped to clarify some of
the more barren areas of the past. As
yet, however, the average student still
thinks of history as a matter of reigns
and campaigns, with a few side trips
into theology, art, and literature.
Technology, if mentioned at all, is
largely a recital of inventions. Not
until after 1920 did historians "dis-
cover" the principle of interchange-
ability of parts — the basis of modern
mechanization and mass production.
Furthermore, the swift advance of
technology and the rapid outmoding
of materials, techniques, and proc-
esses give rise to the belief that the
past is irretrievably dead and of
little value in an atomic age. Let the
dead past bury its dead; we make the
future. Truly an heroic sentiment,
albeit a banal and stupid one. History
is not "bunk," a great technologist to
the contrary. His achievements might
have been more impressive had he
understood the history of technology
Technology's Heritage
by MENTOR L. WILLIAMS'
better and not tried to build his great
industry on technical skill and in-
tuition.
Recent studies in engineering edu-
cation have made some practical sug-
gestions about the social content of
the engineering curricula. Recogniz-
ing that with all our engineering skill
and know-how we still have misery,
poverty, disease, slums, filth, smog,
and bad transportation systems, the
curriculum makers have recom-
mended more attention to economics,
political science, sociology, and his-
tory. This is as it should be and the
more success to them. But a planned
presentation of the social significance
of technology in the history of man's
development is still lacking in the re-
vised program of studies. Some of the
larger universities have sensibly in-
troduced history of science courses;
occasionally an agricultural or medi-
cal division offers an elective in the
history of agriculture or of medicine
(seldom advancing beyond descrip-
tion, however); but engineering
schools have yet to develop an inter-
pretative course in the history of tech-
nology.
At this point, the impatient listener
wants to know why such a course
should be developed and what good
it would do: "Engineers are service
people and deal with practical prob-
lems in a sensible way." Just so. But
they are also citizens in a society
where all the people are concerned
with the world of tomorrow, a world
that involves more than devices of
construction and destruction. It is a
world that involves leisure and the
use of leisure, government and gov-
ernmental controls, labor and the re-
lation of labor to productivity, the
family and economic consumption.
The list can be extended endlessly.
Upon all these areas the engineer
knowingly or unknowingly exerts an
influence. As a citizen it is his duty to
know what that influence is likely to
be. Through the history of technology
he can discover what that influence
has been. By the study of history he
can see what he has done and what he
is doing to society. It ought not be left
to the sociologist alone to write and
study the Middletowns of tomorrow.
Perspective, perspective, perspec-
tive. If anyone should know the
meaning of that term, it is the technol-
ogist. He cannot approach the solu-
tion of any of his "practical problems"
without perspective. In a broader
sense, he cannot have a perspective
of the present (the present in which
his "practical problems" have their
existence) unless he has an under-
standing of the technological past. It
is not necessary that the technologist
study the slowly developing processes
and adaptations that have marked
the growth of a particular machine
or structure before he adds his adap-
tations to it, any more than it is nec-
essary for the physician to learn
Galen's "humors" or the chemist to
learn alchemy. That would be foolish
and time consuming. It is desirable,
however, that he know something of
the stages of technological growth
through the ages, something of the
phases or periods through which tech-
nics has passed. He should have more
than the elementary school view of
the stages of civilization: stone age,
DECEMBER, 1947
19
bronze age, iron age, age of steel —
these afford only the slightest insight
into the relation between man and his
tools. And that other classification —
a hunting stage, a pastoral stage, an
agricultural stage, a commercial
stage, and an industrial stage — has
the virtue of hiding more about man's
culture than it reveals, for it implies
that real development in technology
began only when steam power and
automatic machinery were utilized in
the textile industry. It is a naive view
that the inventiveness of English ar-
tificers suddenly ushered in the Ma-
chine Age in the eighteenth century;
it is even more naive to refer to the
period since 1850 as the Age of Mech-
anization. The machine, simple or
complex, has been in existence for
thousands of years and the mere ap-
plication of speed and efficiency to its
operation means nothing in itself.
Speed and efficiency are manifesta-
tions of psychological and social
changes more than of physical
changes. Behind the machine lie psy-
chic and social unrest.
Most of the important tools, de-
vices, and instruments upon which
modern mechanization depends were
known to the cultures of the past:
clock, compass, water wheel; presses,
pumps, screws, levers, hoists; loom,
lathe, gunpowder, paper, mathemat-
ics. Engineering techniques, de-
scribed by Vitruvius (one of Caesar's
military engineers) in Ten Books ot
Architecture, were studied by French
and Italian engineers of the fifteenth
century. These engineers, in turn,
took them to England; the French en-
gineer, Lebelye, built the second Lon-
don Bridge in 1738-1750. Newton
translated Vitruvius in 1771. English
experiments in the steam engine in
the seventeenth and eighteenth cen-
tury were directly inspired by six-
teenth century translations of the
Mechanics of Heron of Alexandria
(first century A.D.). The internal
combustion engine has its origin in
the gun; the earliest experiments in
internal combustion were undertaken
with gunpowder; the latest experi-
ments in internal combustion have
utilized coal dust. As Alfred Leger
(Public Works in Roman Times) has
well said: "the new theories have
most often but confirmed the old
practice; we have improved the de-
tails without changing the prin-
ciples." New materials, refined oper-
ations, mathematical analysis; it is
these that modern technology has de-
veloped. And the reason for the phe-
nomenal growth in these accurate,
efficient refinements lies in the his-
tory of man, not in the history of
machines. For machines follow needs.
"Necessity mothers invention" is a
truism, but its full meaning is seldom
understood. Perspective will help the
engineer evaluate needs, and deter-
mine the difference between chaos
and equilibrium, permanence and
change. The history of technology
provides him with a text.
To understand the role of technol-
ogy in that social complex of ideas
called "progress," the engineer must
have a knowledge of the past develop-
ments in technics. Progress is more
than the multiplication of means by
which man masters the material
world. It is not to be measured solely
by the numbers of telephones or auto-
mobiles possessed, by the passenger
miles flown in 1947, or by the kilo-
watt hours produced by the world's
hydroelectric systems. Progress is not
dependent upon the machine alone,
nor upon the tool before the machine.
In many respects the world of today
is more barbaric, more primitive,
more ugly than it was a thousand
years ago. Some assert that the rea-
son for this unpleasant fact is the ma-
chine and the failure of the engineer
to make the machine function in
terms of a whole and unified culture.
The engineer ought not and cannot
be blamed for what has happened; he
can, however, act more intelligently
if he understands what has happened.
When science and technology shod
the horse in the ninth century and
made horse power, in a literal sense,
a source of energy; when they cov-
ered the European lowlands with
windmills and placed water mills on
the banks of the rivers in the twelfth
century; when they constructed
pleasant villages and well-kept fields
and gardens; when they produced
durable goods and works of art in the
period of the Hansa towns, — the aim
was not mere control of environment
but the enrichment and intensifica-
tion of life itself. (See Lewis Mum-
ford, Technics and Civilization, Chap.
III.) In order that there may be real
progress man must have fuller and
greater opportunity to act rationally,
to utilize the capacities that lie dor-
mant within him. A later technology
has lost sight of this basic fact in its
desire to multiply energy and the
products of that energy through more
efficient machinery. Because we can
throw things, including human be-
ings, on the scrap heap more quickly,
because we can wear things out more
readily, this does not mean that we
have reached the millennium.
If he is to have a conscious part in
directing those forces that will create
tomorrow's society, the engineer must
know technology's past. The cultures
of Greece and Egypt flourished be-
cause they captured and inherited the
skills developed by earlier civiliza-
tions. Rome's greatness, in turn, was
based on an uncanny ability to adapt
and utilize the rich technical prizes
that the conquest of Greece and Alex-
andria brought her. All roads led to
Rome; all roads led, with equal truth,
away from Rome. What happened
when the Roman engineers applied
their skill to road and bridge con-
struction throughout Europe? What
happened when Roman technologists
developed blowers, pumps, and hoist-
ing systems in the mines of Rome's
heyday? What happened when Ro-
man town planners laid out the right-
angled streets, installed water and
sewerage systems, baths and foun-
tains in the colonial towns of the Em-
(Please turn to page 48)
20
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
NUMBER 8 OF A SERIES
for Engineers
Faster way to dry cable ^
Before getting its protective lead sheath, telephone
cable must have every bit of moisture removed from
pulp insulation and paper covering. To gain greater
efficiency than the horizontal steam drying method,
which used to take 24 hours, Western Electric en-
gineers designed a battery of cylindrical vacuum
ovens which are lowered over reels of cable. Electric
current is then passed directly through the wires of
the cable, heating it to 270°F. As much as 6 gallons
of water is driven out of the insulation, in just an
hour and a half!
ISpeedway for new telephones
Here you see the "wind-up" of nearly two miles of
overhead conveyor lines designed by Western Electric
engineers for their vast new telephone-making shop
in Chicago. As finished telephone sets near the end of
the assembly and inspection line, an electronic
selector unerringly sorts out six different types,
directs each type down the right one of the six differ-
ent chutes for packing and shipping. Not one second
is wasted. This conveyor system is capable ot han-
dling 20,000 telephones per day.
Engineering problems are many and varied at Western Electric, where
manufacturing telephone and radio apparatus for the Bell System is the primary
job. Engineers of many kinds — electrical, mechanical, industrial, chemical,
metallurgical — are constantly working to devise and improve machines and proc-
esses for mass production of highest quality communications equipment.
Western Electric
*72 X X A UNIT OF THE BELL SYSTEM SINCE 1882 2» 2? 2?
DECEMBER, 1947 21
A model of a 10,000 kw gas turbine unit
Gas Turbines and Jet Propulsion
(Continued from page 8)
hour per square foot per deg F. The
surface of the intercooler is 1.5 square
foot per coupling hp, and an overall
water-to-air coefficient of heat trans-
fer of 20 Btu per hour per square foot
per deg F is taken. The performance
calculations for all of the cycles ac-
count for the pressure drops occur-
ring in the various elements.
In all cases the thermal efficiency
is defined as the ratio of the useful
output at the coupling to the energy
required from the fuel, each ex-
pressed in appropriate units.
Applications
While the gas turbine has had
many years of historical background,
it has come into practical significance
only during the last decade. The pre-
viously mentioned Houdry installa-
tions represented the first relatively
large-scale use of the gas turbine. At
the present time the gas turbine is
being used in greatest numbers in air-
craft applications, embodying princi-
pally the jet propulsion of military
aircraft. Due to its many advantages
however, the gas turbine is ideally
suited to numerous uses in land,
marine, rail, and aircraft fields, and
these will be discussed individually.
The first gas turbine of prime-
mover type in the United States was
placed in service in 1936 as a part
of the aforementioned Houdry proc-
ess. At present there are about 28 gas
turbines of this type in the United
States. Of these, Brown-Boveri has
built six, and the remaining 22 have
been built by Allis-Chalmers, orig-
inally a licensee of Brown-Boveri.
Allis-Chalmers has also built 10 for
foreign operation. An installation
view of a 60,000 cfm, Allis-Chalmers,
Houdry unit, the largest in the world,
is shown in Fig. 5. From left to right
may be seen the gas turbine, axial
compressor, reduction gear, gener-
ator, and a steam turbine for starting
purposes.
In 1940, a 4000 kw Brown-Boveri
electric generating unit was installed
in an underground stand-by power
plant in Neuchatel, Switzerland.
Tests on this unit, operating on the
basic cycle, indicated a coupling ther-
mal efficiency of approximately 18
percent with a turbine inlet tempera-
ture of 1000 F. No regeneration was
justified in this instance due to the
restricted and intermittent nature of
the operation.
A model of a 10,000 kw gas turbine
unit proposed by Allis-Chalmers for
utility service is shown in Fig. 6. The
diagram of its regenerative cycle with
reheating and intercooling may also
be observed. The 10,000 kw gener-
ator is driven by a separate, double-
flow, low pressure turbine, while the
high pressure turbine, on another
shaft, drives the compressors. A cou-
pling thermal efficiency of 30 percent
is expected with an inlet temperature
(Please turn to page 24)
Fig. 7. A 3,500 hp, 1,500 F, gas turbine on the test floor of the United
States Naval Engineering Experiment Station at Annapolis, Md.
22
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
odal
Because photography can be so inexpensive
AS these youngsters can tell you ... as you yourself
J\_ know ... it doesn't cost much to take pictures for
pleasure. Only a few cents for a snapshot . . .
It costs even less— much less — to take many of the
"pictures" business and industry want, because in
these functional applications photography is often-
times almost entirely automatic.
Good example of this inexpensiveness is Recordak.
Reproducing automatically ... on economically mi-
nute areas of microfilm ... it copies checks, waybills,
and other similar documents for a fraction of a cent
apiece.
Second example . . . photographic recordings. Auto-
matically made, they reduce to a minimum the cost
of "reading" the fluctuations of gauges, instruments,
production control equipment.
Third example . . . Transfax Process . . . inexpensive
in another way, since, unlike any other process, it
reproduces complex drawings, charts, layouts with
photographic accuracy and completeness directly on
metal in a matter of minutes.
, These are only three of the ways in which photog-
raphy can save time and money. In our new booklet—
"Functional Photography"— you'll find others. Write
for your free copy.
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N.Y.
ADVANCING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNICS
Functional Photography
\ /
;
/
X
g
/
vX
/
;
/
/
/
i
/
/
/
/
/
V
Fig. 8. The effect of plane speed
upon the propulsive efficiency of
jet and of a typical propeller.
(Continued from page 22)
of 1300 F to both turbines, and effec-
tivenesses of intercooler and regen-
erator equivalent to 85 and 75 per-
cent, respectively.
For naval and maritime duty the
small space and weight requirements
of the gas turbine render it particu-
larly suitable. Electric drive or the
use of a variable pitch propeller
would mitigate the reversing prob-
lem, which is more acute with gas
turbines because the minimum pres-
sure in the cycle is atmospheric. If a
conventional type of astern turbine,
as used in steam practice, were ro-
tated in such an atmosphere, the
windage losses would be prohibitive.
A 3500 hp, 1500 F, gas turbine,
built by Allis-Chalmers for the bu-
reau of ships of the U. S. Navy, is
shown in Fig. 7 on the test floor of
the U. S. Naval Engineering Experi-
ment Station at Annapolis, Mary-
land. This unit is the largest gas tur-
bine in the world for this tempera-
ture. It operates on a cycle compris-
ing an axial-flow compressor driven
by a turbine, while the second tur-
bine operating in parallel on another
shaft furnishes the useful output. Air
discharged from the compressor tra-
verses a regenerator where it is
heated indirectly by the combined
exhaust gas from both turbines. The
preheated air next divides itself be-
tween two combustion chambers
where fuel is added, furnishing the
high temperature motive fluid to the
turbines.
In the lower left corner of Fig. 7
one may see the axial compressor
connected to its driving turbine. The
power turbine is on the upper right
in line with the other rotating ele-
ments. Connected to the power tur-
bine is a water brake dynamometer
(not visible). The regenerator in the
upper left has three large pipes
(white insulation) entering it, which,
from left to right, are the compressor
discharge, compressor turbine ex-
haust, and power turbine exhaust. Di-
rectly under the regenerator are lo-
cated the two combustion chambers
from which one may see emerging
the turbine inlet connections. The
compressor intake air is supplied
through the lower pipe in the figure.
While the gas turbine has certain
distinct advantages for each of its
respective fields of application, it
would appear that its greatest useful-
ness would be in the heavy traction
field, in all probability the most de-
sirable application. Of particular in-
terest for railway locomotive use are
various features of the gas turbine
such as its freedom from water re-
quirements, its purely rotary motion,
its low lubrication costs, its unique
ability to utilize dynamic braking by
absorbing energy in the main com-
pressor, its good thermal efficiency.
Fig. 9. The effect of plane speed
upon the propulsive thrust of a gas
turbine jet engine and a reciprocat-
ing engine-propeller combination.
and the possibility of its using solid
fuels.
Up to the present time one gas
turbine locomotive has been built.
This 2200 hp, oil-fired, Brown-Boveri
unit was completed in 1941 for the
Swiss Federal Railways. The gas tur-
bine operates on a regenerative cycle
with a maximum thermal efficiency
of 18 percent at the coupling. The 70
mph locomotive has a DC electrical
transmission, and a specific service
weight, including fuel, of 92 lb per
bhp.
In order to develop a coal-burning
locomotive which would compare
favorably with the diesel locomotive,
a Locomotive Development Commit-
tee, consisting of nine railroads and
four coal companies, was established
in 1944 in the United States as an
agency of Bituminous Coal Research,
Inc. The gas turbine has been se-
lected as the prime mover which best
adapts itself to the requirements in-
volved. The research work of the
committee is under the direction of
J. I. Yellott. The committee has pur-
chased two gas turbine locomotives
which are scheduled to be on the
rails in 1948. Allis-Chalmers is fur-
nishing a 3750 hp gas turbine elec-
tric power plant with controls for one
of the locomotives. The plant will
consist of a six-stage reaction turbine
driving a 20-stage axial compressor.
The coal handling and combustion
phases of the project are undergoing
intensified development at the pres-
ent time in various laboratories
throughout the United States. The
proposed arrangement of the equip-
ment on the locomotive is such that
the coal will pass from a bunker to a
crusher and then to pressurized tanks.
Pulverization of the crushed coal is
accomplished by expanding it with
air through a nozzle so that the sud-
den release of pressure causes the
coal to disintegrate into fine particles.
The powdered coal is then burned in
a combustion chamber and the re-
sulting hot gas, before entering the
turbine, passes through an ash sep-
arator which removes most of the
solid particles that might otherwise
damage the turbine blading.
Gas turbine development under-
(Please turn to page 26)
24
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Development of dyes requires
both physical and organic chemistry
ducibility and storage stability. A sig-
nificant Du Pont contribution to the
production of vat dyes in optimum
physical form is called "turbulent flow
drowning." In this procedure, the color
is dissolved in strong FLSOj and then
diluted by a large volume of water in a
constricted tube. High turbulence is
maintained during dilution and pro-
duces uniform dye particles.
In this development the work of
physical chemists and physicists, aided
by electron microscopy, ultra-centri-
fuging, infrared and ultra-violet spec-
trometry and other modern techniques,
was of major importance.
The synthesis of a new dye in the labo-
ratory or even the development of a
manufacturing process from that syn-
thesis may still be a long way from the
realization of the full potentialities of
the new compound as a coloring mate-
rial. This is illustrated by the commer-
cial history of the exceedingly fast
bright blue dye indanthrone and its
halogen derivatives.
Indanthrone was the first known an-
thraquinone vat dye and has led ton-
nage sales of vat dyes in the U.S. since
its introduction, despite the commer-
cial use of well over 200 types. In 1901,
Bohn first synthesized indanthrone by
KOH fusion of 2-aminoanthraquinone,
but the yields obtained were in the
range of only 25-30 per cent. Because
of the industrial importance of indan-
throne, and the low commercial yields
obtained by the original fusion pro-
cedure, a great deal of research time
has been spent in its study.
Several U.S. patents record the fact
that Du Pont organic chemists have
made outstanding contributions in this
field, particularly by developing the
intercondensation of 2 moles of 1,3-di-
bromo-2-aminoanthraquinone and re-
placing the bromine by chlorination to
give 3:3'-dichloroindanthrone ("Pon-
sol"Blue).
ocor
This fixes the chlorine in the desired
positions to give a product with greater
bleach-fastness than indanthrone and
minimizes extraneous substitution that
always accompanies direct chlorination
of indanthrone. The commercial yields
of 3:3'-dichloroindanthrone now being
obtained by Du Pont are markedly
greater than those obtained by Bohn
and his workers.
It is just as important, however, that
a water-soluble dye be made in a phys-
ical form that gives optimum shade and
working qualities, such as perfect dis-
persion, freedom from specks, rapid re-
V
►''-5-
4-fL
t^ jj
j|r
^ 4
Jj
rwo^,.
t^ 3 r
\ A
W. R. Remington, Ph.D., University of Chico
1945, working on a dye research problem.
DECEMBER, 1947
One of the three wings of the Jackson Labora-
tory, where a large portion of the basic research
on dyes is carried on. The new $1,000,000 ad-
dition on the right is nearing completion.
The conversion of laboratory findings
to a plant operation often presents
unique and difficult problems that re-
quire unusual ingenuity on the part of
chemists, chemical, mechanical and
electrical engineers. The work on the
indanthrones was no exception. The
outstanding commercial success of
"Ponsol" vat colors, typified by "Pon-
sol" Blue is one example of the results
achieved through cooperation of Du
Pont scientists.
Questions College Men ask
about working with Du Pont
WILL I GET LOST
IN A BIG COMPANY?
The organization of Du Pont is unique in
that each of its ten manufacturing depart-
ments and two technical staff departments
is responsible for its own operation. Further-
more, new chemists and engineers work in
small groups under experienced supervisors.
Du Pont's group system assures men of in-
teresting and friendly working conditions
plus the broad avenues of promotion that go
with size. Write for the new booklet, "The
Du Pont Company and the College Gradu-
ate," 2521 Nemours Building, Wilmington
98, Delaware.
S. N. Boyd, Ph.D., University of Illinois,
THINGS FOR BETTER LIVING
. THROUGH CHEMISTRY
25
(Continued from page 24)
went major advances during World
War II, principally because of the
military potentialities involved.
Many millions of horsepower of air-
craft gas turbine superchargers were
manufactured for use in such planes
as the B-17, B-24, and P-38. During
the later stages of the war research on
aircraft gas turbine jet propulsion en-
gines was being accelerated at a rapid
rate, and production was in process
when hostilities ceased.
Owing to the termination of the
war, and also to the fact that the
trend for military aircraft is away
from reciprocating engines and to-
ward gas- turbine power plants, pro-
duction of turbo-superchargers has
been tremendously curtailed. On the
other hand, development and pro-
duction of aircraft gas turbine power
plants have progressed steadily and
are being rapidly augmented by the
entry of additional companies into
the field.
One may ask why the gas turbine
has had such recent widespread adop-
tion in the aeronautical field, particu-
larly for the jet propulsion of mili-
tary planes. Some of the natural ad-
vantages of this type of prime mover,
as already stated, are partially re-
sponsible; but, in addition, the aero-
dynamic limitations of propellers in
the highest speed ranges have dic-
tated the transition to the other meth-
od of propulsion. Reference to Fig. 8
will furnish a comparison between
the propulsion efficiencies of a typical
propeller and jet, as a function of
plane speed. In the high speed range,
beyond 500 mph, the efficiency of
the propeller is diminishing rapidly,
while that of the jet is improving al-
most linearly. It is understood that
recent propeller designs have indi-
cated the possibility of maintaining
acceptable efficiencies at higher
speeds, but it is expected that they
will still exhibit a drooping charac-
teristic which would render them in-
ferior to the jet in the highest speed
regions.
A comparison of propulsive thrust
at a given altitude as a function of
plane speed for a reciprocating en-
gine-propeller combination and a gas
turbine jet engine may be obtained
from Fig. 9. The figure has been
somewhat simplified for illustrative
purposes in that the jet engine is
indicated as a constant thrust device,
which is essentially correct except
that a slight decrease in thrust will
occur with increase in plane speed.
The excellent thrust characteristics
of the engine-propeller arrangement
are readily apparent at the lower
speeds; however, the continuing dec-
lination in propeller thrust causes it
to become less than that of the jet
engine, so that the latter is more suit-
able for high speed flight. In Fig. 9
the reciprocating engine and the jet
engine have been arbitrarily selected
so that each produces 2000 thrust
horsepower at 375 mph.
In a supercharged engine-propeller
arrangement the brake horsepower
will be essentially constant with plane
speed. The useful or thrust horse-
power will be equivalent to the prod-
(Please turn to page 28)
A "FOUL WEATHER' 7 FRIEND
TO CABLE USERS
Svery kind of weather but fair is manufactured in this
Weatherometer which is used regularly in testing sections
of Okonite Cable. For example, repeated cycles of water
spray and ultra violet light are combined with freezing in a
refrigerator. The result: a rapid succession of violently con-
trasting effects which tests the cable more drastically than
could years of actual exposure.
This is one of a series of continuing tests in which Okonite
puts modern equipment and engineering personnel to work
pre-testing and establishing the life expectancy of its electrical
wires and cables. The Okonite Company, Passaic, N. J.
OKONITE £r
insulated wires and cables
BEHIND IT... A LITTELL FEED
Radio parts must be accurate. Speed, to provide
economy, is essential, too. "Behind'' the radio you will
find a Littell Feed which has supplied a stamping press
with strip metal, properly straightened and precisely
indexed, at a speed which contributes importantly
toward low cost of the final product.
26
LITTELL
F. J. LITTELL MACHINE CO.
4127 RAVENSWOOD AVENUE • CHICAGO 13, ILLINOIS
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
THB MARC* OF SC/£A/CB
J-Jeating a piece of metal
by open flame, blow-torch
or furnace is relatively slow
apt to leave scale... its hard to
HEAT ONE SPECIFIC AREA WITHOUT HEATING THE WHOLE PIECE.
PRODUCTION MEN REALIZED HEAT-TREATING OPERATIONS
SUCH AS FORGING, PRECISION BRAZING AND SURFACE
HARDENING COULD BE STEPPED WAV UP IF A FASTER
METHOD OF HEATING COULD BE FOUND... ONE WHICH
WOULD CONCENTRATE THE HEAT AT PRE-SELECTED AREAS/
IEVAT By INDUCTION) seemed
LIKE THE ANSWER. SCIENCE HAD ALREADY
DISCOVERED THAT METALS HEAT RAPIDLY
WHEN INTRODUCED INTO A HIGH FREQUENCY,
HI6H DENSITY MAGNETO FIELD.'
ALUS-CHALMERS SCIENTISTS—
n Amazing production tool rectifies ordinary 60-
CYCLE CURRENT THEN STEPS IT UP TO ^50,000 CYCLES.
A MAGNETIC FIELD OF HIGH DENSITY IS SET UP IN WORK
COIL AND WHEN METAL IS INTRODUCED INTO THIS FIELD,
PASSAGE OF CURRENT CAUSES POWER LOSSES WHICH PRO-
duce heat within the metal with incredible swiftness.
Big benefits: complete, selective control
of heat penetration . . . exact uniformity. . .
greatly increased production.'
METAL IS HOT IN SPLIT SECONDS
ALLIS-CHALMERS MANUFACTURING CO.
r\ PLACE METAL IN WORK COII
tlECTROMIC? HEATER is one more example of how
ALLIS-CHALMERS RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE GOTO WORK
FINDING BETTER, FASTER, MORE EFFICIENT WAVS OF HANDLING
PRODUCTION PROBLEMS -ANOTHER GOOD REASON WHY A-C EQUIP-
MENT IS IN DEMAND IN EVERY AMJOR INDUSTRY. . .
ALUS H CHALMERS
ONE OF THE B/0 3 /A/ ELECrP/C POWER EQUIPMENT
8/GGESr OF ALL /A/ PANGE OF /NOC/SrP/AL PRODUCTS
DECEMBER, 1947
27
(Continued from page 26)
uct of the brake horsepower and the
propeller efficiency. The shape of the
thrust horsepower curve will be simi-
lar to that of the propeller efficiency
curve, and will tend to fall off at high
speeds. Since the thrust of the gas
turbine jet engine is depicted as con-
stant, its thrust horsepower will vary
linearly with plane speed. Superim-
posing a curve depicting the power
required for a typical plane, it is in-
dicated that the maximum speed of
the jet plane would be 600 mph, com-
pared with approximately 485 for
the plane with a propeller. On the
other hand, the respective minimum
flying speeds would be approximate-
ly 125 and 90 mph, so that the jet
plane would require a longer runway
for landing and take-off operations.
From a fuel economy standpoint,
the engine-propeller arrangement is
vastly superior at the lower plane
speeds, but loses its advantage be-
yond approximately 530 mph. The
propeller engine has a maximum
overall thermal efficiency of about
22 percent at 350 mph, which is more
than double that of the jet engine
for the same speed. The jet engine
thermal efficiency gradually increases
with plane speed, however, until at
530 mph it equals that of the conven-
tional engine, and reaches about 14
percent at 600 mph. The specific fuel
consumptions of the two types of
power plants will vary inversely as
their respective thermal efficiencies,
as shown in the figure. Fuel costs will
not be proportional to these latter
curves since the reciprocating engine
uses high octane gasoline, whereas
the jet engine burns kerosene, a much
cheaper fuel.
The gas turbine jet propulsion en-
gine consists of the same basic ele-
ments as those of the gas turbine
power unit shown in Fig. 1. Instead
of furnishing excess power which
would drive a device such as the
generator of Fig. 1, however, the tur-
bine of the jet engine only develops
sufficient power to drive the com-
pressor, and the excess energy is in
the high velocity exit jet which pro-
partners in creating
KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.
NEW YORK
• HOEOKEN,
N.
Chicago •
St. Louis • Detroit
San Francisco •
Los Angeles •
Mon
pels the plane. Variations of pres-
sure, temperature, and axial velocity
throughout the engine should also be
noted. The axial velocity of the mo-
tive fluid is greater at exit than at
inlet; thus the gas turbine engine
contributes to the creation of a
change in momentum in the fluid, by
virtue of which the propulsive thrust
is produced.
One of the gas turbine jet propul-
sion units built by Allis-Chalmers
during the recent war, under license
agreement with the de Havilland En-
gine Co. Ltd., of England, employs a
one stage centrifugal compressor,
with single-sided entry of air, driven
by a single-stage turbine. The unit
develops a static sea level thrust of
3000 pounds when rotating at 10,500
rpm with a turbine inlet temperature
of 1500 F. The complete weight with
all auxiliaries is 1500 pounds, result-
ing in a specific weight of 0.5 pounds
per pound static thrust. The fuel
consumption is approximately 1.2
pounds per hour per pound static
thrust. The maximum overall diam-
eter is 50 inches. The air discharged
from the compressor is led to 16 indi-
vidual combustion chambers and,
after addition of fuel in each, enters
as a hot gas the common nozzle ring
supplying the turbine wheel. The
residual kinetic energy of the gas
leaving the turbine enhanced by a
subsequent expansion provides the
propulsive jet for propelling the air-
craft.
The jet-propelled Lockheed Shoot-
ing Star, the P-80, a military fighter
plane, was powered by a similar de
Havilland engine in its early stages.
In June, 1947, the latest version of
this plane, the P-80R, with an Allison
Model 400 jet engine, established a
world's speed record of 623.8 mph at
sea level. The engine, weighing 1735
pounds, is rated at 4600 pounds static
thrust, and is believed to have deliv-
ered close to 7000 pounds thrust dur-
ing bursts with alcohol-water injec-
tion. In August, 1947, a new world's
speed record of 650.6 mph was set by
the Douglas D-588 Skystreak, a jet-
propelled transonic research plane.
The characteristics of jet engines
are not readily comparable with those
(Please turn to page 30)
28
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Exploration of ocean depths is made possible by RCA Image Orthicon television camera.
The ocean is a "goldfish bowl"
to RCA Television!
Another "first" for RCA Laboratories,
undersea television cameras equipped
with the sensitive RCA Image Orthi-
con tube were used to study effects of
the atom blast at Rikini . . .
There may come a day when fisher-
men will be able to drop a television
eye over the side to locate schools of
fish and oyster beds . . . Explorers will
scan marine life and the geology of the
ocean floor . . . Undersea wrecks will
be observed from the decks of ships
without endangering divers.
With the new television camera,
long-hidden mysteries of the ocean
depths may soon be as easy to observe
as a goldfish bowl— in armchair com-
fort and perfect safety.
Exciting as something out of Jules
Verne, this new application of tele-
vision is typical of research at RCA
Laboratories. Advanced scientific
thinking is part of any product bear-
ing the name RCA, or RCA Victor.
When in Radio City, New York, be
sure to see the radio and electronic
wonders at RCA Exhibition Hall, 36
West 49th Street. Free admission.
Radio Corporation of America, RCA
Building, Radio City, New York 20.
Continue your education
with pay — at RCA
Graduate Electrical Engineers: RCA
Victor— one of the world's foremost manu-
facturers of radio and electronic products
— offers you opportunity to gain valuable,
well-rounded training and experience at
a good salary with opportunities for ad-
vancement. Here are only five of the many
projects which offer unusual promise:
• Development and design of radio re-
ceivers ( including broadcast, short wave
and FM circuits, television, and phono-
graph combinations ) .
• Advanced development and design of
AM and FM broadcast transmitters, R-F
induction heating, mobile communications
equipment, relay systems.
• Design of component parts such as
coils, loudspeakers, capacitors.
• Development and design of new re-
cording and reproducing methods.
• Design of receiving, power, cathode
ray, gas and photo tubes.
Write today to National Recruiting Divi-
sion, RCA Victor, Camden, New Jersey.
Also many opportunities for Mechanical
and Chemical Engineers and Physicists.
RAD tO CORPORATION of AMERICA
DECEMBER, 1947
29
(Continued from page 28)
of conventional engines with pro-
pellers, since the former are rated on
a thrust basis, and the latter on
horsepower. It should be noted, how-
ever, that the specific weight of a jet
engine will be considerably less than
that of a reciprocating engine includ-
ing propeller. Since the thrust horse-
power of a jet engine continually in-
creases with plane speed, the basis of
comparison with a conventional en-
gine is not obvious. As a means of
establishing an example, however, let
it be assumed that a comparison will
be made at 400 mph. At this speed, at
a given altitude, the thrust horse-
power of a jet engine is approximate-
ly numerically equivalent to its static
thrust. Thus the specific weight of a
jet engine at 400 mph would be about
0.4 to 0.5 pounds per thrust horse-
power.
Assuming that a reciprocating en-
gine weighs 1.1 pounds per brake
horsepower, when the propeller, a
necessary feature to complete the
power plant, is included, the total
specific weight will approach 1.6
pounds per brake horsepower, for
modern high speed propellers. With
a propeller efficiency of 85 percent,
the specific weight becomes about 1.9
pounds per thrust horsepower, which
is approximately four times the corre-
sponding figure for the jet engine. It
should also be recognized that this
ratio enlarges with speed, since the
thrust horsepower of a conventional
engine decreases, and that of a jet
engine increases, with plane speed.
The present discussion on jet pro-
pulsion has been confined to jet en-
gines of the pure jet type — that is,
where all of the propulsive energy is
in the form of a high velocity jet.
This type is best suited for the maxi-
mum speed range. For intermediate
speeds, however, modifications re-
ferred to as prop-jet engines are
more applicable. This latter type con-
sists of a gas turbine engine where ap-
proximately 80 percent of the output
is delivered to a propeller, and the
remainder is represented by the ex-
haust jet. Engines of this type have
better fuel economy than pure jet de-
signs under 500 mph.
Conclusions
This paper has attempted to pre-
sent, in rather brief form, some de-
sign features, performance character-
istics, and applications of gas tur-
bines. The aircraft application, par-
ticularly with reference to its jet pro-
pulsion phase, has been dwelt upon
at some length. There appeared to be
sufficient justification for discussing
it in comparative detail, since it is the
application of the gas turbine which
has the greatest magnitude and pop-
ular appeal at the present time.
It is desired to emphasize that, not-
withstanding its many advantages
and attractive potentialities, the gas
turbine is not regarded as a panacea
for all power problems, for its limi-
tations are also well recognized. It
is believed, however, that there are
many applications for which the gas
turbine is ideally suited, and it is to-
ward such ends that its present devel-
opment is being directed.
A NAME TO REMEMBER
And for good reasons: Thermoid is
geared to meet the day to day prob-
lems of the users of its products. By
limiting itself to a restricted number
of items, related in manufacture and
use, Thermoid is able to keep abreast
of difficulties encountered in the field
and thus constantly maintain top
quality.
The Thermoid line is a quality line.
Remember Thermoid for BRAKE
LININGS, FAN BELTS, CLUTCH
FACINGS and RADIATOR HOSE.
Remember, too, that Thermoid makes
a complete line of belting, brake lin-
ings and hose for industrial
and oil field use.
-^0
Write us if catalogs c
these tines would be
^ any of
iseful to
Thermoia
Products
you in your engineering studies.
30
S"fc\Aclc7V\fc D>U*Jjfo>mt7VV
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Her compact passed
65 screen tests
Ve it made of gold, silver or
C^ "brass", a compact has to pass
a lot of "screen tests" on its way
from the earth to its user.
Ore is screened a score of times
before it becomes metal. Silica goes
through a battery of screens to be-
come a mirror. And talcum is
forced through a long series of fine-
mesh screens before it acquires that
caressing smoothness that is de-
manded by our exacting fair sex.
Yet, because this is America,
compacts, which are beyond the
means of women living in countries
that decry our free enterprise sys-
tem, are sold in dime stores, avail-
able to millions.
Roebling products play a leading
part in this mass production.
Roebling wire screens meet all ma-
terials under all conditions. In one
case they pass rocks as big as
melons. In another they reject dust
as fine as pollen.
Made of steel rods as thick as
your thumb, or woven of stainless
as fine as hair, Roebling screens
serve industry in a hundred ways —
on a thousand jobs.
JOHN A. ROEBLING'S SONS COMPANY
TRENTON 2, NEW JERSEY
Branches and Warehouses in Principal Cities
r
A CiNTURY Of CONFIDENCE
DECEMBER, 1947
inois Tech Builds
A model of the two four-story dormitory units now under construction on the Illinois Tech campus at 32nd
street and Michigan avenue and 33rd street and Michigan avenue.
stages of planning the campus devel-
opment, it became apparent that the
future of the Institute and its program
was inevitably tied in with the de-
velopment of the whole south side of
Chicago.
In the congested city of Chicago, a
scheme of sensible city planning was
needed — not only to provide hous-
ing, but to clear the teeming slum
areas. The South Side Planning
Board, with President Heald as chair-
man, took the lead in planning the
(Please turn to page 34)
(Continued from page 18)
door baseball, an area large enough to
accommodate two simultaneous bas-
ketball games, and 600 lockers.
Increased physical facilities on the
Illinois Tech campus permit central-
ization of instruction not possible be-
fore. This fall, for the first time, the
architecture department is housed
completely on the campus — in
Alumni Memorial Hall, first class-
room building completed in the mas-
ter program.
Illinois Tech's NROTC unit,
termed by the Navy "the best
equipped in the nation," will continue
to occupy quarters in the building.
Eventually all activities of the In-
stitute will center on the south side
campus. With the moves this fall, the
only units remaining downtown are
the department of home economics,
the Institute for Psychological Serv-
ices, and certain classes conducted by
the Evening Division.
Major rehabilitation of existing
buildings has added to their useful-
ness and attractiveness. The student
lounge in the North Student Union
has been entirely refurnished, the
main cafeteria rearranged, a new con-
ference and dining room provided in
the space formerly occupied by the
book store. A small permanent build-
ing to handle the central power dis-
tribution system was constructed dur-
ing the year.
Illinois Tech's over-all develop-
ment extends over a 100-acre tract
from 31st to 35th street and from
Michigan avenue to the New York
Central railroad tracks. The east sec-
tion of this area, extending the full
length north and south between State
street and Michigan avenue, will be
devoted to housing.
Of necessity, the Institute's interest
must extend far beyond the limits of
its own campus in providing housing
for its students and staff. In the early
Students walk from classes in Alumni Memorial Hall, the first building
completed in the Institute's huge post-war construction program.
32
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
"Our Safety Is Our Speed"
World War II proved the truth of Emer-
son's words; post-war America will not
forget them. Millions of dollars and man-
hours spent in research are providing the
groundwork to keep us first in the air.
The picture above was taken in a Stand-
ard Oil laboratory devoted entirely to
experiments with combustion in jet en-
gines. New fuels are tested, their per-
formances analyzed. These experiments
will provide information that will help
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Standard contribute to the vast develop-
ment of jet propulsion, which has already
resulted in speeds greater than those of
the fastest wartime planes.
In all of Standard's activities, strong
emphasis is placed on pioneering, on re-
search conducted by able graduates of
America's leading schools of science and
engineering. Throughout our company
there are unlimited opportunities for the
finest theoretical and practical skills.
Standard Oil Company
910 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, CHICAGO 80, ILL.
STANDARD
SERVICE
DECEMBER, 1947
33
BORG & BECK
DIVISION OF BORG-WARNER CORP.
Man ufacturers
of
Automotive Clutches
6558 S. Menard Ave. Chicago, III
Building Construction
Telephone Nevada 6020
S. IV. NIELSEN
EOMPMY
BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
CHICAGO
E. H. MARHOEFER, JR. CO.
• CO NTR ACTORS
MERCHANDISE MART • CHICAGO
Electrical Equipment
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS
INCORPORATED
DESIGNERS and MANUFACTURERS of
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS AND
SPECIALTIES
201 5 NORTH KOLMAR AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILL.
Telephone BELmont 3360
(Continued from page 32)
redevolpment of the seven-square-
mile blighted area on Chicago's south
side.
Illinois Tech later joined forces
with the South Side Planning Board
and four other private and public or-
ganizations to frame an over-all plan
of urban redevelopment. The four
are:
Michael Reese Hospital, whose
board decided in 1945 to "stand and
fight," just as Illinois Tech had pre-
viously determined to do; the Met-
ropolitan Housing Council; the Chi-
cago Housing Authority, and the ar-
chitectural firm of Pace Associates.
Illinois Tech's share in the devel-
opment of the seven-square-mile
blighted area which surrounds it is
two-fold: 1) its educational and re-
search campus, and 2) its adjoining
housing program. This will include
12 dormitories, each housing 109 stu-
dents; three 10-story elevator apart-
ments, each with 120 apartments of
one- and no-bedroom type; three 3-
story walk-up apartments, each with
36 apartments of the two-bedroom,
one-living room type; row houses for
faculty, and a community building
and central dining hall with nearby
garages.
An historic ceremony October 7 at
32nd street and Michigan avenue
marked the first step in the housing
redevelopment of Chicago's near
south side. Ground was broken for
the first of two dormitories now un-
der construction for Illinois Tech.
President Heald and James D. Cun-
ningham, chairman of the board of
trustees, turned the first soil in exca-
vating for the foundation.
Scheduled for completion next
summer and use next fall, the dormi-
tories (the second is one block south
at 33rd and Michigan) are being
built by W. E. Schweitzer and Com-
pany, Chicago contractors. Architects
for the housing units are Skidmore,
Owings, and Merrill, who have de-
signed them to coincide with the
classroom buildings of Mies van der
Rohe.
Each of the four-story walk-up dor-
mitories will house 109 out-of-town
students. Cost of each is expected to
approximate $275,000, including
34
land and improvements. Quarters in
each will consist of 5 1 double rooms,
7 single rooms, and a matron's suite.
A separate wing, originally planned
to contain a cafeteria and lounge for
each, will not be built now.
The buildings will be fully fire-
proof. Flooring will be asphalt tile,
ceilings will be painted concrete slab,
and walls will be painted plaster.
Heat will be furnished by hot water
radiators from central oil heating
plants and boilers in each building.
A shower room will be included on
each floor.
The dormitories are being built on
opposite ends of Illinois Tech's pres-
ent fraternity row along Michigan av-
enue. Five fraternity houses and the
the only present dormitory, housing
92 students, are located in the 3200
block along the west side of Michigan
avenue in a section once renowned as
one of the finest residential areas in
the city.
Illinois Tech looks
to the future
At no time since the formation of
Illinois Tech in 1940 has there been
such tangible evidence of physical
advancement. The casual visitor to
the campus cannot help but be im-
pressed by the rising structures, the
buzzing activity, the feeling of growth
and advancement which permeates
the atmosphere as Illinois Tech
builds.
But the building is not an end in
itself. As President Heald has put it:
"We have two distinct services to otter
— education and research. We want to pro-
vide the best possible professional and cul-
tural education for our students. We want
at the same time to contribute through re-
search to mankind's knowledge of the world
in which we live so that the lives of all of us
may be enriched and made more enjoyable.
"These, then, are our objectives. We are
striving endlessly to achieve them and to
discharge our obligations to our students, to
ourselves, and to the society which sup-
ports us."
Illinois Tech is building more than
structures of steel and concrete and
brick. It is building a foundation for
the reclamation of human dignity in
a slum area. And it is building a great
technological institution to fulfill its
destiny in the great Middle West.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
// (joa can catch a leprechaun...
A leprechaun, according to Irish legend, is a dwarf
who keeps a pot of gold hidden away.
If you can catch a leprechaun, your troubles
over.
Because he keeps his gold just for ransom money.
If you catch him, he'll quickly tell you where his
gold is, so you let him go.
The best place to look for a leprechaun is in the
woods. They're green, and only about nine inches
tall, so you'll have to —
Or maybe you don't believe in leprechauns.
Maybe it would be more practical to just keep
working for your money. But you can learn one
good lesson from these little fellows. A small pot of
gold put to one side is a great help when trouble
catches you.
And there's a much faster and easier way to get
your pot of gold than by catching leprechauns.
You can buy U. S. Savings Bonds through an auto-
matic purchase plan.
If you're employed you can sign up for the Pay-
roll Savings Plan. If you have a bank account you
can sign up for the Bond-A-Month Plan. Either way,
your pot of gold just saves itself, painlessly and
automatically.
And your money increases one third every ten
years. That would make a leprechaun turn even
greener with envy.
Sm the easy, automatic vtay-with U.S. Savings Bonds
Contributed by this magazine in co-operation with the Magazine Publishers of America as a public service.
DECEMBER, 1947
35
Tenth Annual
Midwest Power Conference
THE TENTH ANNUAL meeting
of the Midwest Power Conference
will be held at the Sheraton Hotel
(formerly Hotel Continental), 505
North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, on
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
April 7, 8, 9, 1948.
The Midwest Power Conference
was revived and reorganized in 1938.
At that time it was placed under the
sponsorship of Armour Institute of
Technology and was operated with
the cooperation of other midwestern
universities and local and national
engineering societies. Upon the con-
solidation, in 1941, of Armour Insti-
tute of Technology and Lewis Insti-
tute into Illinois Institute of Technol-
ogy, the sponsorship was automati-
cally assumed by the latter.
Conferences have been held each
year with the exception of 1945, when
the meeting was cancelled because of
Electrical Fixtures
LIGHTING FIXTURES
and
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
Triangle Electric Co.
600 West Adams Street
Chicago
ck Byrne. Tel. HAYmwkel 626:
"Caterpillar" Diesel Engines
and
Electric Generator Sets
Patten Tractor
& Equipment Co.
620 S. 25th Ave. Bellwood, Illinois
Serson Hardware
& Supply Co.
EtUbllihed 1907
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES — SHEET
METAL WORK
109-111 East Thirty-First Street
Phone Victory { J I' J
wartime restrictions on travel.
Throughout the last ten years, the list
of cooperating institutions has grown
steadily, until at present it includes
the Universities of Iowa, Illinois,
Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin,
Iowa State College, Michigan State
College, Northwestern University,
Purdue University, the local sections
of the American Institute of Chemi-
cal Engineers, American Institute of
Electrical Engineers, American Insti-
tute of Mining and Metallurgical En-
gineers, American Society of Me-
chanical Engineers, American Soci-
ety of Civil Engineers, American So-
ciety of Heating and Ventilating En-
gineers, the Western Society of Engi-
neers, the Engineers' Society of Mil-
waukee, and the National Association
of Power Engineers. Success of the
conference has been due to the coop-
eration of all of these institutions.
The preliminary program of the
1948 meeting is being formulated by
Stanton E. Winston, conference direc-
tor, and Edwin R. Whitehead, confer-
ence secretary, with the collaboration
of representatives of the cooperating
institutions and the following mem-
bers of the staff of Illinois Tech and
Armour Research Foundation: Pro-
fessors Roland A. Budenholzer, Wil-
liam Goodman, William A. Lewis,
GOLDENROD
ICE CREAM
Served exclusively
at
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
John T. Rettaliata, Otto Zmeskal,
Jesse E. Hobson, K. W. Miller, and
E. H. Schulz.
In addition to the popular opening
meeting and four electrical sessions,
it is anticipated that the program will
include sessions on central station
practice, developments in heating
and air conditioning, diesel power,
hydro power, fuels and combustion,
small steam power plants, electronics
in industry, metallurgy of power
plants, feedwater treatment, civic re-
sponsibilities of the engineer, atomic
power, the gas turbine, and locomo-
tive power. From six to eight sessions
will be held on each of the three days
of the conference. The program will
again feature joint luncheons with the
American Society of Mechanical En-
gineers, the American Institute of
Electrical Engineers, and the West-
ern Society of Engineers as well as
the main event, the All-Engineers
Dinner.
The preliminary program will be
ready for distribution early in Febru-
ary, and will be printed in full in the
March issue of this magazine.
Officials of the conference have ex-
tended an invitation to all who are in-
terested in the field of power, and in
the nation's power problems. Hotel
reservations should be made as
quickly as possible.
All inquiries concerning the confer-
ence may be addressed to Edwin R.
Whitehead, conference secretary, c/o
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chi-
cago 16, Illinois.
THE STAR OIL COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1890
LUBRICATING OILS AND GREASES
Telephone Seeley 4400
348 North Bell Avenue, Chicago
36
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
exam
F^/yw W Increas.Jr**" JJ
Reduce Cost of Heat Treating Phosphor Bronze
Roller hearth radiant tube heated furnace using
prepared atmosphere for bright annealing.
Atmosphere generating equipment used with
bright annealing furnace.
Customers of Phosphor Bronze Smelting Company,
2200 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, started the
whole thing — they demanded more Elephant Brand
Phosphor Bronze products than the company could
produce by former methods of heat treating.
So company production engineers, already familiar
with GAS and Gas Equipment, specified the modern
method of heat treating — with continuous, auto-
matically-controlled, Gas Furnaces, with integral
prepared atmospheres.
Process — *Homogenizing — a method of heat
treating to develop uniform grain structure in
phosphor bronze billets prior to rolling,
while relieving casting strains.
Temperature — 1200° F.
Cycle — 6 hours
Furnace Capacity — 2000 lbs. per hour
Process — Annealing of bars and sheets in a
prepared-atmosphere furnace to retain bright-
ness while relieving stresses set up during
rolling or drawing operations.
Temperature — 1200° F.
Cycle — 40 minutes to 3 hours, varying with stock size
Furnace Capacity — 5000 lbs. per hour
Here are the !■ Pickling process eliminated
results . . . . 2 * Production increased 80%
" 3. Uniformity of heat treatment assured by
automatic control
4. Annealing and homogenizing costs reduced over 50%
5. Working conditions improved
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION
420 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK 17, N.Y.
Throughout industry modern Gas Equipment
has established cost-cutting and time-saving
records wherever GAS heat treating methods
and machinery have been integrated in pro-
duction-line processes.
DECEMBER, 1947
37
Joliii JNeal
(Continued from page 13)
novel to develop the tragic implica-
tions of the Salem witchcraft trials of
1692 as more than a background for
sentimental romance. In this descrip-
tion of the execution of a helpless,
harmless old woman we have an ex-
cellent example of Neal's "natural,"
flowing style and of his theory of na-
tural eloquence — the repetitious,
broken, unimaginative exclamations
of an old woman confronted with
death. George Burroughs, the central
character, has just departed after de-
livering a final vain plea for clem-
ency:
"She could not believe it . . . she would
not believe it — she did not — such was her
perfect simplicity, till the chief judge came
to her and assured her with tears in his eyes,
over and over again, that it must be so.
Ah me! said poor Martha, looking out
toward the quarter of the sky where the
horseman had so hastily disappeared, and
where she had seen the last of the fire-
light struck from his path; Ah me, bending
her head to listen, and holding up her
finger as if she could hear him on his way
back. Ah me! — ah me — and that was
all she said in reply to her judges, and all
she said when they drove her up to the
place of her death, decked out in all her
tattered finery, as if it were not so much
for the grave, as for a bridal that she was
prepared.
Ah me, said poor Martha when they
UNEXCELLED
fin fonefavuztiott
Shaft mined from both 5th and 6th veins in the high
quality southern Illinois district . . . master refined by
the 7-step S-P method to a fixed percentage of improved
quality. 100% water washed. Stoker sizes assembled
mechanically and automatically so uniformity is pre-
cise. Each car check-tested by mine laboratories.
PEABODY COAL
231 SOUTH LASALLE STREET
COMPANY
'c& Springfield • St. Louis • Omaha
CHICAGO 4, ILLINOIS
Minneapolis • Cincinnati • New York
put the rope about her neck ... Ah me! —
and she died while she was playing with her
little withered fingers, and blowing the
loose grey hair from about her mouth, as
it strayed away from her tawdy cap . . . say-
ing over the words of a child in the voice
of a child, Ah me — ah me — with her last
breath — "
In Authorship (1830) the collo-
quial style is employed for a very dif-
ferent emotional effect. The narrator
of the story (Neal in thin disguise)
relates his experiences as a New Eng-
lander visiting Britain. He is a man
of extreme sensibility, acidulous in
his observations of British customs
and institutions, and ludicrous in his
excessive susceptibility to minor mis-
haps and discomfitures: he devotes
an entire chapter to his ordeal in get-
ting a breakfast egg in a British inn.
And he is extremely susceptible to the
charms of a mysterious young lady:
he devotes almost an entire chapter
to holding her hand, though he is not
at all aware of that fact until her hus-
band enters. It is all done with a
deftly controlled casualness, largely
managed through a series of "natural"
conversations, and has much of the
nuance and charm of Sterne's A Sen-
timental Journey.
Neal's continuous preoccupation
with the real speech of real people is
best illustrated by his representation
of Yankee speech and character in
The Down-Easters (1833). Neal de-
lights most in telling how the ludi-
crous but shrewd Yankee invariably
gets the better of his dignified neigh-
bors who have the educated habit of
not saying what they mean.
In one instance, a pompous old
gentleman offers his fork to his fel-
low-diner, a Yankee, requesting him
with grave dignity to put his fork into
a potato. The Yankee takes the prof-
fered implement, thrusts it into a po-
tato, and leaves it there. The pomp-
ous gentleman stares and then with a
bow and a compassionate smile tells
the Yankee he'd be obliged to him for
his fork. Whereupon the Yankee,
with a literal innocent air, bows in re-
ply, pulls out the fork, and returns it
across the table.
On another occasion, a Yankee
peddler, upon encountering a gentle-
man suffering from severely chapped
(Please turn to page 40)
38
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
<F?m&
When you admire a beauty ... or visit a farm .
ride on a ferry or order some coke
swallow an aspirin
or turn on the light
the chances are, you are coming in contact
with Koppers engineering or chemical skills.
1. Koppers chemicals for use in cosmetics. 2. Farm structures
made of lumber pressure-treated by Koppers for long life. 3. Koppers
American Hammered Piston Rings for marine engines. 4. Coke from
Koppers-built ovens. 5. Koppers chemicals for use in medicines.
6. Koppers Fast's self-aligning couplings, widely used in power
plants. All these are Koppers products ... as well as scores of others
that help to increase our comfort, guard our health, enrich our lives.
All bear the Koppers trade-mark, the symbol of a many-sided service
...and of high quality. Koppers Company, Inc., Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
K
KOPPERS
DECEMBER, 1947
39
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
COMPARATORS
CHRONOGRAPHS
SPECTROSCOPES
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROGRAPHS
CATHETOMETERS
OPTICAL BENCHES
INTERFEROMETERS
DIVIDING MACHINES
MICROMETER SLIDES
READING TELESCOPES
MEASURING MICROSCOPES
TOOLMAKER MICROSCOPES
THE GAERTNER SCIENTIFIC
CORPORATION
1206 Wrightwood Ave., Chicago
JOHN S. DELMAN
Class of '38
♦
Annuities
Life Insurance
Retirement Plans
Accident & Health
Juvenile Insurance
♦
THE GREAT-WEST LIFE
ASSURANCE CO.
1030 Field Bldg., 135 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago 3, III. Randolph 5560
CHICAGO
IX t IN I COLLEGE of
LAW
Founded 1887
Independent — Endowed — Non-Sectarian
Afternoon and Evening Classes.
Tel. Dea. 6055. College Bldg., 10 N. Franklin St.
(Continued from page 38)
lips, attempts to sell him some infalli-
ble ointment. When his prospective
customer turns him off with great
rudeness, the Yankee holds up his
ointment jar and says:
"Frind! — I meant no offence, an' I'm
sorry for it; but if you'll allow me to express
my opinion, I should say that a LEETLE o'
that are — a very LEETLE — scooping out as
much as he could with his thumb-nail, and
holding it up — not more 'an you'd want to
soap a griss-mill with — jess slicked over
your lips, INSIDE AN' OUT, you'd be a
much easier man for the rest o' the day; an'
talk more to other people's satisfaction."
It was to be expected that Neal,
with his great interest in natural ex-
pression, would show great interest in
children and in the eloquence of chil-
dren. He felt that they were a link to
nature — "the cryptogamia of another
world" — and that their speech re-
flected the true, natural function of
language:
"You CHOKE my hand, said a little fel-
low once, when I was holding him by it. —
His father laughed ... his mother shamed
him. I felt proud of him. — Faver — said
another, in my presence — there's an old
man, Sir— he's been SHAVING the wall. On
inquiry, we found that he had been white-
washing the wall. The boy had seen his
father's face covered with soap and lather
when he shaved. . . . Will you persuade me
that either of those children did not FEEL
the analogy and propriety of language?"
And so Neal collected the sayings of
children, and attacked as adult be-
trayals the absurdity and artificiality
of the children's stories of the period,
and wrote several stories himself that
reflected his own theory as to what a
child's story should be like.
Neal campaigns for rights
of women
After his return to Portland, Neal
devoted more and more of his time
and energy to non-literary activities.
He had become attracted to Jeremy
Bentham's philosophy during his visit
to England and translated his Prin-
ciples of Legislation shortly after his
return. He plunged into local affairs
and played a vociferous part in fur-
thering civic improvements ("our
streets were impassable at certain
seasons of the year . . . and if you saw
an aged man poking about in the
40
mud, with a cane, you were tempted
to ask if anybody was missing"). He
lectured on gymnastics and founded
several gymnasia; but he quit this ac-
tivity after being enraged by the hy-
pocrisy of his abolitionist class-lead-
ers who rejected flatly the member-
ship applications of several Negro
youths ("for what was bodily train-
ing, compared with spiritual training?
what a system of gymnastics,
weighed against humanity and con-
sistency?"). He lectured and wrote
extensively on education and the dig-
nity of labor (ivory-tower intellec-
tuals were useless and the only true
system of education was self-educa-
tion). He wrote extensively on Amer-
ican art and artists demanding of
them, as he did of writers, vigor and
independence in place of the slavish
imitativeness so much in vogue. He
was an authority and prolific writer
on phrenology, then a fashionable
and respectable science.
One of his most vigorous and per-
sistent campaigns was waged to lib-
erate American women from what he
considered to be a medieval slave
status. At a time when such views
were fantastic — as early as 1831 — -
Neal lectured for the right of women
to hold property, and to vote. And in
1843, he went so far as to suggest, in
a lecture at the Broadway Taber-
nacle in New York, that the women
of America had the right to revolt
against an oppressive government,
citing the Declaration of Independ-
ence as his authority.
At the age of 79, Neal collared a
young man and pitched him out of a
horse-car when the youth persisted in
smoking in the presence of some lady
passengers.
He died on June 21, 1876, in his
83rd year, a prophet with honor in his
own home town but virtually for-
gotten everywhere else.
But local fame is not very durable.
Recently I talked with an old resi-
dent of Portland, not a bookish man,
but the kind of Yankee John Neal
would have liked. Had he heard of
Neal? He paused, reflected for a full
minute, and then replied: "Didn't he
write a guide book to Portland many
years ago?" 2
^Portland Illustrated (1874).
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
BUSINESS IN MOTION
/* 0?<csis'C?4&e
V'
CCCJ C*Z
T^ryL&vcc&ri ^5<*
ctJc*ze<i«f
Most people think of brass tube as a mill product with a
great many important industrial uses. It is regularly used
to carry water and other liquids, to make parts of machines
and appliances, railings, handles, and so on. Yet it also
can be a musical item, in door chimes, and the story of its
development for that purpose is an unusual one.
When electric door chimes appeared, it became evident
that here was an entirely new requirement for brass tube —
that it produce a pleasing tone when struck. The other
factors that have made brass tube a staple, large-volume
product for so many years, such as
its rich color and corrosion resistance,
dictated the choice of brass. Here,
then, was the problem: what are the
causes of pleasing tone in tube, and
how can they be controlled in the mill
in order to supply a reliably standard
musical product?
The first step was purely experi-
mental. Revere proceeded by ear.
Over 100 samples of tubes in various
alloys, tempers and gauges were hung
up, struck, listened to, and preferences
obtained from many people. These
tests showed an outstanding prefer-
ence for the tonal quality of one type
of tube. But Revere did not stop theie.
It was desirable to know why that tone was preferred,
what factors were responsible for it, and how they could
be controlled.
The project then was turned over to a laboratory physi-
cist who is also a talented musician. Now began the most
ambitious and lengthy and scientific part of the work,
employing the most modern electronic apparatus, including
a beat-frequency oscillator and a cathode ray oscilloscope.
These made it possible to dissect the tone produced, meas-
uring the intensity and frequency of the fundamental note
and its partials with an accuracy of one cycle per second.
Much new information was developed concerning the
source of the tone, the manner in which the tube vibrates,
and the changes in the tone produced by changes in tube
characteristics. The net result is that Revere really knows
chime tube, scientifically, musically, physically, and, of
course, how to produce it. We also know exactly how a
chime tuba should be plugged, and where struck, and why,
which information is of value to door chime manufacturers.
As Revere contemplates the voluminous laboratory rec-
ords of this work it realizes that inter-
esting and important though it was,
it is by no means a solitary example.
Revere has repeatedly studied in the
greatest detail both new and old appli-
cations of its mill products, and un-
covered data of value in extending the
life and usefulness of them. So, for
that matter, has practically every
other supplier of materials to industry.
Hundreds of companies operate well-
equipped, competently-staffed labora-
tories. Others employ college labora-
tories more or less steadily. The final
results of these continuing studies are
embodied in products and processes,
and thus raise the standards of all
American industry. In addition, in the majority of cases
secrecy as to the information obtained is not imposed,
and thus you can obtain not merely better products, but
also much information of practical value in their use. It
has been pointed out that those who pay for materials also
pay for the brains required to develop them, and that
therefore those brains should be used. Thus, Revere sug-
gests that no matter what you buy, be it rubber or glass,
chemicals or metals, cements or solvents, you would do
well to draw upon the brains of your suppliers.
REVERE COPPER AND BRASS INCORPORATED
Founded by Paul Revere in 1801
-sir & -fr
Executive Offices:
230 Park Avenue, New York 17, N. Y.
DECEMBER, 1947
41
Industry and Education
(Continued from page 15)
much of our basic technical informa-
tion came from abroad. The remain-
der came largely from our own uni-
versities and a few industrial labora-
tories. Our stockpile of basic scien-
tific knowledge was seriously de-
pleted by the war; our normal supply
of scientists and research engineers
was likewise seriously depleted by
the war. Both must be re-established.
Universities are deeply concerned
about these problems. Normal funds
are no longer adequate to educate an
increased number of postgraduate
students, to support an adequate
amount of basic research, and to pro-
vide for a greatly expanded enroll-
ment of undergraduates. Endowment
income has scarcely kept pace. High
taxes have made future endowments
questionable. And, at the same time,
costs of operation have increased all
along the line. The growth and main-
tenance of American industry and fu-
ture security of our country are im-
periled by these critical shortages.
Again — a ready answer is to be
found in more government spending
for research. There is no doubt that
the Federal government does have a
responsibility for certain types of re-
search. Weapons of war, public
health, agriculture — these have long
been recognized as governmental pre-
rogatives. It seems inevitable, too,
that the government must continue
to expend large sums on military re-
search in the years ahead.
Industrial research, however, is
clearly a task for industry — either in
its own laboratories or on a sponsor-
ship basis in public service organiza-
tions created for that purpose. I
firmly believe, too, that industry must
accept a greater responsibility for the
encouragement of fundamental re-
search and for the training of research
workers in universities.
A national science foundation bill
was passed in the last session of Con-
gress. It provided for the expenditure
of government funds on fundamental
research. And it provided undergrad-
uate scholarships and graduate fel-
lowships for promising science stu-
dents. It was later vetoed by Presi-
dent Truman because of its admin-
istrative procedures.
The President's research advisory
committee recently urged that such a
foundation be established and that it
be authorized to spend at least 250
million dollars a year by 1957 for
basic research. The report further
recommends that total national ex-
penditures on research of all kinds
should be at least 1 per cent of the
annual national income by the same
date. This is nearly twice the current
rate.
Despite some very effective work
in American universities under the
sponsorship of government agencies,
I am opposed to government domina-
tion of fundamental research.
Central direction of a large share
(Please turn to page 44)
AIR...
hot enough
to melt bricks
v
1
H/ver see a brick melt in air —
melt like a block of butter in a warm
room? Probably not. For air around the
ordinary brick building just doesn't
get that hot . . .over 2000°F. Yet raising **~
the temperature of air until it's hot enough to
melt a brick — and a lot hotter — is now possible
with the Pebble Heat Exchanger developed by
B&W. It heats gases far above the temperature
limits of metallic heat exchangers.
Development of the Pebble Heat Exchanger is
further evidence that B&W— old in experience,
pioneer of many advances in divergent fields — is
still young enough to have new ideas.
B&W offers excellent career opportunities to
technical graduates in diversified phases of manu-
facturing, engineering, research, and sales.
THE BABCOCK & WILCOX CO.
42
85 LIBERTY STREET,
NEW YORK 6 , N. Y.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Plastics where plastics belong
for resistance to wear and moisture
., m MISWK M* mm
/2\ CORROSION RESIST**"
O WM « str£N6T«
Synthane where Synthane belongs
Here's Synthane (our type of laminated plasties) at work
in the water pump of a popular car, where resistance to
wear and moisture are important.
This seal washer is lapped to fit precisely, seals watertight
without packing, resists — mile after mile — the inroads of en-
gine cooling water. It's an appropriate job for moisture-resistant
Synthane, a good example of using plastics where plastics be-
long. Synthane has many other unusual mechanical, electrical,
physical and chemical properties. It is light (J-i the weight of
aluminum), dense, strong, resists heat, impact, corrosion, is a
good electrical insulator, and easily machined. It is a practicable
material for a limitless number of applications. Synthane Cor-
poration (Key Address) Oaks, Pennsylvania.
[SYNTttANE]
DECEMBER, 1947
SYNTHANE TECHNICAL PLASTICS • DESIGN • MATERIALS • FABRICATION • SHEETS • RODS • TUBES • FABRICATED PARTS • MOLDEO-MACERATED • MOLDED LAMINATED
43
More Than Just Lumber
There are lots of places in the Chicago area where you
can buy lumber. If you want quick, friendly service, your
choice is more limited. And if you also want lumber cut and
fabricated to suit special requirements your best bet is the
new, modernized Schenk Lumber Co.
Telephone Portsmouth 1411.
SKIDS . PALLETS . CABINETS . TRAYS . CRATES . FRAMES . BOXES . SPECIAL SHAPES
FURNITURE . WOOD FIXTURES . FULL LINE OF LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS
Specialists in Serving
Industrial Accounts
LUMBER
- COMPANY
6E0I So. CENTRAL Ave.
PORTSMOUTH - i -|i
(Continued from page 42)
of the country's scientific investiga-
tion is a dangerous procedure. Com-
plete freedom of inquiry to explore
all phases of scientific activity is es-
sential for sound progress. Such free-
dom is difficult, if not impossible, to
maintain even under the best possible
centralized administration.
The alternative — or perhaps the
antidote — to government domination
of fundamental research is greater
support from industry. As yet, indus-
try has accepted this responsibility
only on a small scale. About 200 com-
panies support perhaps 1,000 fellow-
ships in American colleges. Yet this is
one of the most obvious ways of in-
creasing knowledge and educating re-
search workers.
Every company with scientific per-
sonnel could well afford to support
fellowships of this kind. There are
many good examples of individual
company projects and many others
of an industry-wide nature, but the
practice needs great expansion. It has
been proposed that tax credits be pro-
vided corporations which support
fundamental research. A bill to put
the proposal into effect was intro-
duced in the last session of Congress.
Such a plan has considerable merit.
But the incentives for support of fun-
damental research should make it
unnecessary.
How industry can cooperate
with education
I have been discussing some of the
broad relationships between industry,
government, and education. I have
attempted to point out the impor-
tance of a continuous supply of edu-
cated citizens and trained scientists.
I have discussed the importance of
fundamental and applied research to
the security and prosperity of the na-
tion. The need for broader educa-
tional opportunities for our most able
youth has been mentioned.
There are certain specific areas of
cooperation between industry and ed-
ucation which can help to bring about
these things:
1. Cooperative programs in
which students spend alternate pe-
riods on the job and in the class-
(Please turn to page 46)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Marsh & McLennan
INCORPORATED
Insurance Brokers
AND AVERAGE ADJUSTERS
164 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD • CHICAGO
CHICAGO
NEW YORK
SAN FRANCISCO
DETROIT
WASHINGTON
PITTSBURGH
MINNEAPOLIS
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CLEVELAND
COLUMBUS
INDIANAPOLIS
MILWAUKEE
DULUTH
ST. PAUL
ST. LOUIS
LOS ANGELES
PHOENIX
SEATTLE
PORTLAND
VANCOUVER
MONTREAL
HAVANA
LONDON
National Electric
Products Corporation
Pittsburgh 30, Pa.
constituents, simultaneously. It makes possible
substantial savings in the operation of kilns, pro-
duction of inert gases, and in metallurgical,
petroleum, and other chemical processes. Single
point and multipoint instruments are available for
a wide variety of applications.
Send for Literature
Cambridge also makes pH Meters and pH
Recorders both single and multipoint sampling;
Voltamographs for polarographic andlysis and
many other mechanical and electrical instruments
of precision. Send us details of your instrument
problem for our recommendation.
CAMBRIDGE
INSTRUMENT COMPANY, INC.
3756 Grand Central Terminal, New York 17, N. Y.
Pioneer Manufacturers of
PRECISION INSTRUMENTS
DECEMBER, 1947
45
Planographing
S2&
m
fM
1AN0GRAPH
An economical reproduction process for Office
Forms, Charts, Diagrams, Graphs, Specifica-
tions, Testimonials, House-Organ Magazines,
Bulletins, Maps and many other items.
No Run Too Long
No Run Too Short
Estimates will not obligate you
in any way. WRITE OR CALL
CHICAGO PLANOGRAPH CORP.
517 S. JEFFERSON ST., CHICAGO 7
THE CHIEF PRINTING CO.
6911 South Chicago Avenue
Telephone MIDway 2100
CHICAGO
Process Machinery
F. M. deBeers fir Associates
20 N. Wacker Drive Rand. 2326
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
Representing — well known, successful, fully
qualified builders of modern, efficient
Process Machinery and Equipment
• FILTERS — Valler Pressure Units — contin-
uous pressure type — all styles rotary vac.
drum filters.
• SPIRAL, plate-type, counter-flow heat ex-
changers.
• CENTRIFUGALS — perforate and solid
baskets — any metal. Centroid speed con-
• MULTI-STAGE VACUUM UNITS — for
vac. cooling — vac. refrigeration. Steam jet
equipment — condensers.
• CHEMICAL STONEWARE — Mid-West-
ern representatives General Ceramics Co.
Screw Machine Products
icrew
achineProducts
Clean precision work.
maJe exact to ipeci6cations.
Capacity 1/16" to 2%".
C A. Knuepfer - 16 W.J. Tarrant. '28
President Vice-President
(jeneral dngineeringWorh
4707 W. Division Street ■ Chicago, S/
(Continued from page 44)
room, thus combining practical ex-
perience with a sound theoretical
training. Many colleges maintain
such programs. They offer the advan-
tage of producing a graduate with a
thorough understanding of industrial
problems. Furthermore, they provide
the financial resources for able young
men otherwise unable to attend col-
lege.
2. Evening classes in metropoli-
tan areas for persons employed in
industry. Most colleges and univer-
sities in metropolitan areas conduct
such classes. Participation by em-
ployees merits the encouragement of
management, for such extra training
increases the employee's usefulness
to his organization and to society.
3. In-plant training programs
and special courses to meet the
needs of employees of a particular
company. (Work of this type is illus-
trated by the program of graduate
education conducted by Illinois Insti-
tute of Technology for engineers in
the Allis-Chalmers plant in Mil-
waukee.)
4. Scholarships for undergrad-
uate students and fellowships for
graduate students. These help to
identify young men of promise and
encourage their education. (An out-
standing example is the nation-wide
competitive scholarship program of
the Pepsi-Cola Company, which an-
nually assists several hundred stu-
dents from all states of the union.)
5. Greater direct support for
fundamental research in universi-
ties.
6. Utilization of the services of
university research foundations, by
small companies as well as large.
These programs help to solve specific
problems in applied research. They
make it possible for experienced per-
sonnel and extensive equipment to be
put at the disposal of manufacturers
at reasonable cost. (An example is
Illinois Tech's Armour Research
Foundation, which has worked with
hundreds of companies on important
research projects in the 10 years since
its formation.)
7. Pooling of an industry's inter-
est in graduate education and fun-
damental research. (An example is
the Institute of Gas Technology at
Illinois Tech.) Such organizations
find the healthiest environment for
their development in cooperation
with colleges and universities.
Conclusion
I feel that the proper maintenance
and growth of our system of higher
education is of vital importance to
every citizen. I feel with President
George D. Stoddard of the University
of Illinois that "the wealth of the state
and the nation derives from the prom-
ise of youth." Industry in particular
has a very special interest and a real
responsibility for helping educational
institutions find sound answers to
some of the problems in education
and research.
There are very great pressures —
backed by persuasive reasoning — for
greatly increased Federal support for
both. Perhaps that is the only answer.
But I am thoroughly convinced that
greatly increased Federal support of
education and research without a cor-
responding increase in support by in-
dustry and private philanthropy is
another step toward collectivism.
Centralized control inevitably ac-
companies centralized support. If
you permit the government to supply
all the money — through your own
failure to do so — then you can expect
government control of higher educa-
tion and research.
Let us, rather, do our best to main-
tain independent action by individual
initiative — a free partnership of sci-
ence, industry, and education.
Management Engineers
GRIFFENHAGEN & ASSOCIATES
Established in 1911
CONSULTANTS IN MANAGEMENT
Advice and technical assistance on problems of
policy, organization, procedure, personnel, and finance
Call E. O. Griffenhagen. senior partner. Randolph 3686
46
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
-mountains are leveled and oceans bounded by the slender force of human beings'
Why communications get better all the time
Your voice girdles the globe in one-seventh of a second.
It travels at 186,000 miles per second— the speed of light
— thanks to the telephone and radio. And by television, so
do the pictures of any event as it occurs.
What has made this blinding speed possible? What has
given us these "ringside seats" ... to see, to hear, to share
in the headline news of the day?
The answer: Greater knowledge of electronic waves and
better materials to harness them. For example, the vac-
uum tube— heart of radio or television— depends upon the
greatest possible absence of air or other gases— a high vac-
uum. Most of the air is pumped out before the tube is sealed.
Then a tiny bit of barium, called a "barium getter" is
flashed inside of it by electricity. This captures the remain-
ing air and gives a nearly perfect vacuum.
Unending research and engineering have also provided
finer plastics for insulation, purer graphite and carbon for
electronic devices . . . and a host of other basic materials
that help shave the speed of communications to the tiniest
splinter of a second.
Producing these better materials and many others— for
the use of science and industry and the benefit of man-
kind—is the work of the people of Union Carbide.
FREE: You are invited to send for the illustrated booklet, "Products
and Processes," ivhich describes the ivays in which industry uses
UCC's Alloys, Carbons, Chemicals, Gases and Plastics.
Union Carbide
AJVD CAHBOJV corpora now
30 EAST 42ND STREET \\\AA NEW YORK 17. N. Y.
Products oj Divisions and Units include
Linde Oxygen • Prest-O-Lite Acetylene • Pvrofax Gas • Bakelite, Krene, Vinyon, and Vinylite Plastics
Kemet Getters • National Carbons • Eveready Flashlights and Batteries • Acheson Electrodes
Prestone and Trek Anti-Freezes • Electromet Alloys and Metals • Haynes Stellite Alloys • Synthetic Organic Chemicals
Technology's Heritage
(Continued from page 19)
pire? What were the consequences —
political, social, moral — of these vast
projects?
Western civilization was founded
on the grandeur that was Rome, and
the wealth of Rome increased a thou-
sand fold with every generation.
What else? Did speed of transport,
rapidity of communication, increased
productivity bring greater happiness
to the millions of slaves and citizens
of the Empire? Technology made
possible both bread and circuses; did
it lessen barbarity and conspicuous
consumption? Were the skilled tech-
nicians merely the instruments of
avarice and cruelty? Did the wealth
they had created become a magnet to
attract the hordes of the despoilers,
the have-not Huns, Vandals, and
Goths?
In more recent times, what has
been the net result of England's enor-
mous technical advances in industrial
progress epitomized in Masefield's
lines?
Dirty British coaster with salt-caked
smoke stack.
Butting through the Channel in mad
March days,
With a cargo of Tyne coal.
Road-rails, pig-lead,
Firewood, iron-ware, and cheap tin trays.
Will England, rebuilding her Empire
on a South African axis, take into con-
sideration the mistakes made in her
technological era? Will we, in the
United States, confronted by the
technological failures of other civili-
zations, repeat the story of isolated
greatness and material mastery and
disappear amidst the ruins of sky-
scrapers, blasted roads, and twisted
rails? The answer, it appears, rests
in large degree with our engineers.
The engineer should know and un-
derstand how his skills have been em-
ployed in the cultural patterns of
which he is a part. History is inclined
to look upon some of the engineering
marvels of the past as useless land-
marks of unfunctional societies.
Egyptian and Toltec pyramids.
Sphinxes, obelisks, Mayan temples:
monuments to pride and superstition
built at enormous cost in manpower
and wealth. Yet in their day such
wonders were undoubtedly com-
pletely functional. The Toltec Sun
and Moon pyramids and the massive
temple to Quetzalcoatl at Teotihua-
can were a part of a highly developed
culture which had also built vast ir-
rigation systems, devised a calendar
as accurate as our own, and estab-
lished a system of fair and equitable
produce distribution. Who is to de-
cide, a thousand years hence, wheth-
er a Rushmore monument, a Rocke-
feller Center, or silted-in Hudson
River tunnel were functional or mere
phases of a civilization that wor-
shipped tradition, Rockefeller, and
speed?
The technologist must learn, the
hard way, perhaps, that much of his
effort is expended on refining ma-
chines that may some day be as dead
as the dodo. To what end does he em-
ploy his skills in perfecting the media
for transmitting sound and picture?
(Please turn to page 50)
layouts
engravings
four color printing
office supplies
Mulling
tags
catalogues
magazines
HAYWOOD PUBLISHING COMPANY
5th and Ferry Sts. Phone 4085
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
48
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
ALUMINUM BRAINS FOR THE ASKING
Some day you are going to want to know something that
you won't have learned in college. And won't find in books.
You are going to consider using aluminum for some
purpose where the engineering isn't all spelled out for
vou. You'll want facts about aluminum that you can
apply to your problem; and guidance in using them.
When that happens, remember to call on the brains
that have stored up more knowledge of aluminum than
you can find anywhere else. For 59 years this brain has
been gathering facts and experience in making aluminum
useful in thousands of ways.
We are talking about the cumulative corporate brain
of ALCOA . . . Aluminum Company of America. When
it goes to work on your problem, the particular kind of
knowledge needed is sure to be found in one or more of
this brain's many parts ... in the minds of the scien-
tists, engineers, plant men and salesmen who make up
this corporate brain of ours.
Their metallurgical experience, their counsel on
design, their intimate knowledge of aluminum fabrica-
tion and finishes ... all yours for the asking. Aluminum
Company of America, Gulf Bldg., Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
MORE people want MORE aluminum for MORE uses than ever
£\m©&
first in ALUMINUM
DECEMBER, 1947
49
A guide for fishermen,
and factory heads
Fishing rod guides (like the one
abo\ie ) and bearing surfaces in reels
can now wear virtually forever.
Why? Because the hardest metal
made by man is adaptable for use at
the wear points. This super-hard metal
is Carboloy Cemented Carbide.
And the same, almost incredible
wear-resisting qualities of Carboloy are
equally effective in thousands of manu-
facturing applications and product
parts throughout industry. Take textile
plants, for example:
Textile parts last years longer
In one mill, Carboloy nylon guides
have lasted three years and are still in
use! Steel guides lasted only two
months. And so it is with slitter knives,
carding pins, needles, jute and yarn
guides ... all tough spots for ordinary
metals but duck soup for Carboloy.
Vital to all industries
Carboloy is held by authorities to be
one of the ten most important indus-
trial developments of the past decade
... a guide to cost-minded factory
heads everywhere . . . because:
1. Carboloy commonly triples
the output of both men and
machines,
2. Regularly increases the qual-
ity of products, and
3. Cuts, forms or draws all
alloys with accuracy and
speed previously unknown.
A challenge to you
The odds are 10 to 1 that Carboloy —
the amazing metal of many uses — can
be put to work profitably in your plant
by our engineers. Write
Carboloy Company, Inc., Detroit 32, Mich.
CARBOLOY
® CEMENTED CARBIDE *
THE HARDEST METAL MADE BY MAN
(Continued from page 48)
Examine the cultural forms that have
resulted: mass participation in the
vicarious thrills of radio serials, dis-
torted news reports, and sensational
motion pictures. Our printing presses,
including the radio newspaper, can
print faster but no better than the
presses of the sixteenth century book-
makers. Speech and pictures cannot
be made to travel faster than the elec-
tric impulses now employed to trans-
mit them. A turbine cannot be made
more than 100 per cent efficient. Sub-
sidiary improvements are possible;
atomic energy will provide new
power to apply to old machines. Of
course, the machines will be greatly
modified and new ones, jet propelled,
will be created. But the engineer is
learning that the machine must serve,
not dominate. He may discover, as
Mumford tells us in Technics and
Civilization, that "as social life be-
comes mature, the social unemploy-
ment of machines will become as
marked as the present technological
unemployment of men. . . . The ma-
chine, so far from being a sign in our
present civilization of human power
and order, is often an indication of
ineptitude and social paralysis."
Engineers are in the saddle today;
if they are to retain that position they
must not employ whip and spur. A
degree of arrogance can be detected
in their general attitude: "Without us
where would you be?" It is true, we
would have no four-lane highways
and highspeed motorcars, no stream-
lined, cross-continent Zephyrs or
Rockets, no four-motored airborne
Constellations, no skyscrapers, no
deep-freeze units, no television sets,
no high fidelity sound-wave mech-
anisms, no technicolor motion pic-
tures, no soft lighting effects. On the
other hand we would have no glaring
neon lights, no soap operas, no cheap
Westerns, no traffic congestion, no de-
structive forces to wipe out 100,000
persons in a single explosion. It is not
an unmixed blessing that technology
has brought us. No one wishes to go
back to a horse and buggy era or to an
age when apples and corn were dried
in the sun on the woodshed roof. But
the engineer is not the corn-fattened
(Please turn to page 52)
50
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
ON January 26, 1946, newspapers
carried front page stories about the
new and amazing 100 million volt
"betatron". The heart of this instrument
that enables scientists to peer more
deeply into steel castings to discover
flaws, is a giant hollow glass "doughnut."
With the betatron, men in the field of
nuclear research have already made start-
ling discoveries in the investigation of
atomic energy.
The making of this giant glass tube called
for glass research knowledge and glass-
making skill of the highest degree. And
Corning was ready with the right com-
bination of both. Each of those "dough-
nut" sections you see in the picture had
to be built to the most exacting dimen-
sional tolerances.
Science and industry have learned to
expect Corning to come through with
the answer to any glass problem. For
instance, Corning produced the world's
largest piece of cast glass . . . the 200"
telescope mirror for famed Mt. Palomar.
And when all other materials failed to do
the job of handling hot corrosive acids,
Corning made glass pipe and glass pumps
that work without a hitch or replace-
ment for years. Thermometer tubing
. . . miles and miles of it . . . with a bore
only 1/8 the diameter of a human hair is
just an everyday job at Corning.
With more than 50,000 different glass
formulae to draw on, Corning scien-
tists and glass workers have adapted
glass to thousands of different jobs
...some simple, some as complicated
as the betatron. But in every
glass is used because it does the job best.
And you'll find after graduation that a
knowledge of glass may help you do a
better job. So why not keep Corning in
mind. We'll be ready to help you all we
can. Corning Glass Works, Corning, N. Y.
c
ORNING
means
Research in Glass
MAKERS OF PYREX O
DECEMBER, 1947
WARE AND FIAMEWARE AND 37,
OTHER GLASS PRODUCTS
51
Printing
LETTERHEADS
To business correspondents who do noi
know you personally, or who have not
leen your place at business, your letter-
head teflects the personality of your firm
Black
FRANK W. D1UCK & Company
432 South Dearborn • Chicago
cJPeHerlteuJ cftylisis
GINN and COMPANY
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS
2301-2311 Prairie Avenue
Chicago 16, Illinois
(Continued from page 50)
prize animal in the modern scene that
he appears to be. A study of the his-
tory of technology would show him
that he has his periods of power — his-
tory is measured by centuries — and
his periods of eclipse. The Egyptian
and Euphrates valley engineers had
their day of ease; their irrigation sys-
tems, based on sound principles of hy-
draulics, were largely responsible for
the rise of empires dependent on the
vast supplies of food which they had
made possible. What happened to
those empires? No society has ever
continued because of its engineers; no
civilization is ever completely de-
stroyed by other engineers. Survival
depends upon the efforts of all sectors
Photo Printing
acme cmw CORP.
53 WEST g JACKSON BLVD.
i "^ CHICAGO
WABASH 6743
of society working toward goals de-
termined by all sectors. Empires or
civilizations collapse or decay after
they have "survived and triumphed."
America may top all previous civili-
zations in power and conquest; after
that, the story of its engineering tri-
umphs may be something for the
archaeological angels, if there are
such, to record. Technological history
makes humble engineers. Professor
W. H. Burr has said:
"It is now largely a matter of specula-
tion, how these ancient engineers planned
and executed their works, but enough has
already been disclosed to show that the
modern engineer has not been the only en-
gineer to meet and solve difficulties, or to
make the best use of the means at his com-
mand to accomplish great engineering
works."
National, world-wide, or interplan-
etary engineers, however, must go far
beyond making "the best use of the
means at his command to accomplish i
great engineering works"; they must,
it they have studied technology's heri-
tage, help engineer the universe as;
well.
THE FINEST STEEL TAPE
LUFK1N
"ANCHOR"
CHROME CLAD
0001" flMIMHCE
WCIKMW
psurtCI HOUMDNBS
No. 5 Plain Grind
ing Machine —
s-3*xl2*
or 3"xl8". Work
speeds and cable
speeds are designed
for diameters up to
about 1".
Brown & Sharps Mfg. Co.
Providence 1, R. I., U. S. A.
BROWN & SHARPE
52
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
THIS IS BENDIX
ENDIX is essentially a great creative engineer-
ing and manufacturing organization — unlike
any other existing in America. If Despite
the fact of its modern manufacturing plants
and its demonstrated productive capacities,
the essence of Bendix greatness lies in its ten research lab-
oratories and in the integrated knowledge its many engi-
neers have jointly acquired in the fields of electronics,
magnetics, optics, ceramics, electro-mechanics, hydraulics,
pneumatics, injection-carburetion, aerological physics and
metallurgy. H Bendix is constantly exploring the widest
possible application of all these sciences to all manner of indus-
trial, commercial, domestic and human problems. ^ By virtue
of this, wherever machinery replaces human effort, there you
■will find Bendix instruments and controls lightening the load
on human minds and removing the strain from human backs
and hands. Tf The searchlight of Bendix creative engineering
is always pointed to a bright and better tomorrow. ^ When you
see the name Bendix Aviation Corporation, on any product, you
can buy it with the definite knowledge that it is first in crea-
tive engineering design and the last word in quality.
e^3
ON the walls of the great Bendix laboratories ... in
the offices of the huge Bendix engineering staff . . .
over the desks of executives in Bendix plants the
country over, there hangs an exact copy of the credo
pictured above. It hangs there because it is a working
credo — an authentic statement of Bendix aims, aspira-
tions and accomplishments. The results of this whole-
hearted preoccupation with a finer future for you are
everywhere apparent. Radio, meteorology, all forms of
transportation aloft, afloat and ashore are better be-
cause of Bendix, and new products of basic importance
to industry and individuals are constantly added. "To a
bright and better tomorrow." Every Bendix Resource
is dedicated to this purpose Look to Bendix for your
future. In research, engineering and manufacturing, it's
one of America's most versatile industrial organizations.
BENDIX* PRODUCTS.- oulomotlve brakes, carburetors, landing gear • BENDIX RADIO*: radio, radar, television
ECLIPSE* MACHINE: starter drives, bicycle brakes • MARSHAU ECLIPSE*: brake lining • ZENITH*: carburefon
STROMBERG* aircraft carburetors, fuel injection • FR1EZ*: weafher instruments and controls • PIONEER* flight
instruments • ECIIPSE* aviation accessories • SCINTIIU*: aircraft ignition, diesel fuel injection • PACIFIC*: hydraulic
systems • RED BANK*: dynomolors, inverters • BENDIX INTERNATIONA': 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New Vork 20, N. Y.,
Coble "Bendixcorp" New Vork. © 1117 bendix aviation corporation. Detroit 1. men. Trademarks
DECEMBER, 1947
AVIATION CORPORATION
53
"^^fe^w^*.
^^7 www l^f
&*T t NORTON EMPLOYEES
RECEIVE SERVICE AWARDS
at Annual Party
ON December 6 over 1300 Norton men and women
were company guests in Worcester's Municipal
Auditorium for the 26th annual presentation of Service
Awards:
212 — 10 years service
47 — 15 years service
59 — 25 years service
29 — 35 years service
Approximafely 10% of all Norton employees
have been with the company 25 years or more.
These figures attest to the truth of the phrase so often
heard in Worcester, "Norton's is a good place to work"
54
Contributors
(Continued from page 4)
His writing and editing experience
includes newspaper work prior to
and during the war. He joined the
Illinois Tech staff in April 1947.
Mentor L. Williams is assistant
professor of English at Illinois Tech.
He received his bachelor's and mas-
ter's degrees at the University of
Washington and his doctorate at the
University of Michigan. He was an
instructor in high school English in
the state of Washington from 1925
to 1928. He taught at the University
of Idaho from 1928 to 1931, and at
the University of Michigan from
1931 to 1945. In 1945-46 he served
as visiting lecturer at Tulane univer-
sity. He joined the staff of Illinois
Tech in the fall of 1946. Dr. Wil-
liams' articles have been published
in College English, Michigan Quar-
terly Review, Michigan History, In-
land Seas, and Philological Quar-
terly.
Salary Scale Proposed
For Engineers
The Minnesota Association of Pro-
fessional Engineers has proposed a
series of minimum salary scales for
engineers of that state.
The association would classify en-
gineers in eight grades, two of which
(Grades 1 and 2) would be consid-
ered pre-professional grades. Classi-
fication in the professional grades
(Grades 3 through 8) is given those
engineers who hold positions where
considerable independent thought
and action is required.
Minimum annual salaries (subject
to a cost-of-living adjustment) pro-
posed for Grades 1 and 2 are $2,640
and $3,400, respectively. Engineers in
Grade 3, the lowest professional
grade, would receive at least $4,200
annually. The minimum salary for
Grade 8, the highest professional
grade, would be $10,000.
A Grade 3 position might involve
administration of the smallest city or
county engineering organization. The
Grade 8 classification would imply
full responsibility as the head of a
large engineering organization.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
MARCH, 1948
ALL OVER AMERICA. . .TJIE"fflOICE OF EXPERIENCE"/
More people are smoking
CAMELS thamever before !
RODEO
BRONC-RIDING STAR
HOLDER OF NATIONAL
WOMEN'S FISHING RECORDS
Let your J -Zone tell you nfy/
INTERNATIONAL
10-GOAL POLO STAR
Ml
TABLE-TENNIS
STAR
ver America, the story's the
same! With smoker after smoker
who has tried and compared differ-
ent brands of cigarettes, Camels are
the "Choice of Experience"!
Try Camels in your "T-Zone" —
that's T for Taste and T for Throat
— and you'll see why! Compare
Camels for rich, full flavor; for
mild, cool smoking — and you'll
agree with the millions of smokers
who say Camels suit them to a "T"!
Let your own experience tell you
why more people are smoking
Camels than ever before!
ccording to a Nationwide survey:
Doctors Smoke Camels
than any other cigarette
h organizations to na
named Camel th;
e asked by three
lie cigarette they
ly other brand!
Contributors . . .
Albert F. Heino, director of de-
sign, buildings, and airports for
United Air Lines, was graduated at
Armour Institute of Technology in
1926. He received a master's degree
at the University of Illinois in 1928
and was an instructor in design at
that school for two years. He opened
an independent practice in Chicago
in 1932. In 1942, Mr. Heino became
head of the architectural department
for United Air Lines and was placed
in charge of research development
covering requirements for airports of
the future. He is a consultant to a
number of cities on airport building
programs, and is a member of nu-
merous national and local commit-
tees on airport construction. He is
chairman of the joint airline build-
ing commission for the new Chicago
Municipal Airport terminal building
and was the originator of the unit
terminal plan for commercial air
transport terminals. He is a director
of the Chicago Chapter of the Amer-
ican Institute of Architects and has
been awarded a medal of excellence
by that organization.
Jesse E. Hobson, until March 1
director of Armour Research Foun-
dation of Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology, now director of the Stanford
University Research Institute, re-
ceived his bachelor's and master's
degrees at Purdue university in 1932
and 1933, respectively, and was
awarded a doctorate (magna cum
laude) at California Institute of
Technology in 1935. From 1937 to
1941 he served as central station en-
gineer for the Westinghouse Electric
and Manufacturing company and as
lecturer at the University of Pitts-
burgh. He became professor and di-
rector of the department of electrical
engineering at Illinois Tech in 1941.
Dr. Hobson was awarded Eta Kappa
Nu's award to the outstanding young
electrical engineer in the country in
1940.
(Please turn to page 4)
COVER PICTURE— Students in
electrical engineering operate D-C
generators in parallel.
NUMBER 3
MARCH, 1948
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
~Jn this issue
THE FUTURE OF AIRPORTS . 6
By Albert F. Heino
TRENDS IN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH _ 10
By Jesse E. Hobson
FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED RESEARCH IN GEOMETRY 13
By Karl Menger
PROFESSION: HOMEMAKER . 15
By Mary Louise Mojonnier
THE CHALLENGE TO FREEDOM 17
By John Day Larkin
PARTNERS IN RESEARCH 18
Extracted from the Annual Report of Armour Research Foundation of
Illinois Institute of Technology
FINAL PROGRAM MIDWEST POWER CONFERENCE 22
VOCATIONAL INTERESTS OF FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERS ... 24
By George S. Speer
JAMES W. ARMSEY, Editor
THELMA L. COLEMAN, Business Manager
Associate Editors
THEODORE A. DAUM FREDERICK W. JAUCH
Student Staff
SHERWOOD BENSON R. ROBERT LYDEN
BERTRAM A. COLBERT MACK McCLURE
WILLIAM B. FURLONG FRANK R. VALVODA
AARON L. ZOLOT
Published October, December, March and May.
Subscription rates, $1.50 per year.
Editorial and Business Office, Illinois Institute of Technology,
3300 Federal St., Chicago 16, Illinois.
MARCH, 1948
For LUMBER .
. or LUMBER PRODUCTS
■
Telephone Portsmouth 1411
SKIDS . . PALLETS . . CABINETS . . TRAYS . . CRATES . . FRAMES . . BOXES . .
SPECIAL SHAPES . . FURNITURE . . WOOD FIXTURES . . FULL LINE OF LUMBER
AND BUILDING MATERIALS
Specialists in Serving
Industrial Accounts
LUMBER
COMPANY
6601 So.CENTRAL Ave.
PORTSMOUTH c _r- , -|i
(Continued from page 3)
Karl Menger, professor of mathe-
matics at Illinois Tech, has been a
member of the faculty since Septem-
ber, 1946. Born in Vienna, he ob-
tained his Ph.D. degree in 1924 at
the University of Vienna. He taught
two years at the University of Am-
sterdam, then 10 years at his alma
mater. He gave visiting lectures in
the United States in 1930-31 and
came to this country in 1937 to join
the faculty of the University of
Notre Dame. He is the author of two
books. Theory of Dimension (1928)
and Theory of Curves (1932), and
numerous technical articles both
here and abroad.
Mary Louise Mojonnier, chair-
man of the department of home eco-
nomics at Illinois Tech, was grad-
uated at the University of Chicago
in 1928 and received her master's
degree at Columbia university in
1938. From 1928 to 1938, Miss
Mojonnier taught at the Milwaukee
Vocational school and was a nutri-
tionist for the Infant Welfare So-
ciety of Chicago. From 1938 to 1946,
she served as assistant director and,
later, director of the home econom-
ics division of the department of
welfare of the City of Chicago. She
accepted her present position in
1946. Miss Mojonnier has held
membership on a number of com-
mittees in the field of welfare, and
from 1944 to 1946 was chairman of
the Chicago Nutrition Association's
Food Conservation Committee.
John Day Larkin has been dean
of the Liberal Studies division at Il-
linois Tech since June, 1945. Previ-
ously he had been chairman of the
department of political and social
science. A graduate of Berea (Ken-
tucky) College, Dr. Larkin received
his master's degree at the University
of Chicago and his Ph.D. at the Har-
vard School of Arts and Sciences,
Harvard university. He has served
on the faculties of Hamline univer-
sity, the University of North Dako-
ta, Harvard university, and the Col-
lege of the City of New York. He
(Please turn to page 28)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Horizons of Chemistry
constantly beckon
Dow is deeply interested in colleges and technical schools and maintains
close ties with them. The very nature of our business makes this a logical
course for us to pursue.
We are producers of chemicals essential to industry and agriculture. We
are developers of plastic materials. We are the pioneer producers of mag-
nesium, recovering this lightest of all structural metals from ocean water.
We are developers of magnesium alloys and methods for their fabrication.
To carry on this work, research is a necessity and a considerable portion
of our efforts and resources are devoted to it as an undeviating policy.
All these activities require trained men— scientists and technicians —
chemists and chemical engineers — metallurgists, biologists, physicists,
entomologists. Dow employs such men in large numbers — keeps an eye on
them as they emerge from their academic training — gives many of them
special schooling at the Dow plants, according to the jobs they are slated
to do.
In peace as well as in war, chemistry is an essential occupation because it
deals with materials essential to industry and to the health of the nation.
It is a developing business with horizons that constantly beckon — a
profession to intrigue any ambitious young man with an eye to the future.
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
New York • Boston • Philadelphia • Washington • Cleveland • Detroit
Chicago • St. Louis • Houston • San Francisco • Los Angeles • Seattle
Dow Chemical of Canada, Limited, Toronto, Canada
Typical of its laboratory activities, Dow
recently developed this direct-reading
spectrometer that electronically measures
concentration of elements in alloys — auto-
matically records analyses in 40 seconds.
DOW
CHEMICALS INDISPENSABLE
TO INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE
MARCH, 1948
the future of
airports
by ALBERT F. HEINO
A STRONG COMMERCIAL air
transport industry is a national
asset of the first magnitude. With-
out it, our nation would have been
in serious difficulty in the early days
of the last war when the government
called upon the airlines for the skills
and knowledge to assist in organiz-
ing the greatest air armada in his-
tory. The Air Transport Command
and Naval Air Transport Service
were aided by years of successful
commercial operation, and the men
who pioneered the airlines of the
country became of inestimable value
in creating the great world-wide air
transport that helped win the war.
Our commercial air transport sys-
tem, besides being closely related to
any plan of national defense, bids
well to play an important part in the
economy of the nation in the years to
come. We must recognize that the
well being of all of the citizens of this
country is dependent upon the posi-
tion this country holds in the forward
progress of the aeronautical sciences.
Prior to the war, and even up to
this day, the major attention of the
airlines has been directed toward the
development of bigger and better
aircraft. Economics has demanded
that the aeronautical engineers de-
velop aircraft capable of producing
the maximum amount of revenue.
High payload weight with safety has
been the objective. In the process,
wing loadings have been increased
and larger and faster airplanes have
resulted; both speed and magnificent
safety records have been attained.
While all this has been going on,
development of the nation's airports
has. with few exceptions, lagged be-
hind. Airports designed for aircraft
of another day are suddenly found
inadequate to handle modern trans-
ports and lacking in adaptability to
flight procedures of the future, which
promise all-weather landings and
greater regularity of service. Not only
are the majority of airfields unable to
meet the requirements of modern
aircraft, but what is worse, in many
cases they cannot be expanded.
Where it is possible, they are
hemmed in by a multitude of ob-
structions which make safe ap-
proaches under all-weather condi-
tions a matter of great concern and
difficulty.
A good example of this situation
is the Chicago Municipal Airport
which, for many years and up to
the war, was considered one of the
finest airports in the country. It also
is an excellent example of modifica-
tion to meet the ever-increasing re-
quirements of aircraft. The original
field, comprising a quarter section,
was laid out in 1926. Later, in 1930,
it was expanded by the addition of
another quarter section to the west.
During the heyday of WPA, the Belt
Railroad tracks were removed and
the field doubled to bring it up to its
present size of 620 acres. Tomorrow,
its successor, Douglas Airport, will
comprise approximately 6,000 acres.
Chicago Municipal is still a fair
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
airport for contact operation, but it
is not adaptable to instrument land-
ings and all-weather operation, the
goals of the future. Expansion of the
present Municipal to achieve these
objectives is not feasible economical-
ly because hundreds of occupants of
surrounding space would have to be
displaced at great cost. Therefore,
Chicago, along with other major cit-
ies of the country, has come to the
realization that to provide properly
for air transport of the future, it is
mandatory that a new concept of
airport design be adopted and that
the necessary provisions be made to
assure reasonable permanence and
longevity of its major airport. The
alternate to such an airport program
is retrogression in the development
of the nation's air transport industry
and stabilization of aircraft design
adaptable to pre-war airfields. This
latter course could not produce an
economically healthy air transporta-
tion system.
The primary objective of com-
mercial air transportation is regu-
larity and dependability of service
with safety. The science of electron-
ics, stimulated by wartime research,
is playing its part in bringing about
a gradual improvement in airline
service. Today, a much greater per-
centage of scheduled flights are com-
pleted. And, with the full develop-
ment of all-weather landing aids,
service will be as regular and depend-
able as that of any surface carrier.
Under present approach procedures,
instrument landings are slow. At best,
they are at the rate of approximately
20 movements per hour on a single
runway airport, and until this opera-
tion is speeded up, no major airport
presently conceived will be able to
handle the traffic volume that is pre-
dicted.
The important thought in this
connection is that, in our estimates
of traffic capacity at a given airport,
we should think in terms of regular
operation under all-weather condi-
tions. The practice in the past has
been to schedule on a "contact op-
eration" basis. When the weather
closes in, disruptions in schedules
occur and many thousands of pas-
sengers are discommoded. This hap-
MARCH, 1948
pens because there is not sufficient
airport capacity under adverse
weather conditions to satisfy the
normal travel demands of the public.
Planners of the super airports at
Idlewild in New York and Douglas
at Chicago have had to make certain
assumptions that the projected traf-
fic may some day be possible through
improvements in the science of in-
strument operation of aircraft, as
well as in the science of airways
traffic control. The master plans for
both of these airports are based on
the assumption that 360 movements
per hour under instrument opera-
tions will some day be a practical
reality. Even though this reality is
in the future, the gradual stage de-
velopment of these airports will be
planned to satisfy the traffic at a
given time while providing for ex-
pansion when the projected traffic
load materializes.
All this is good, particularly where
the premium in dollars is not excess-
ive for the attendant gains. In the
past, few airports were built when the
scale of the development of air trans-
portation was evident. As a conse-
quence, there was a notable lack of
provision for future expansion. This
has resulted in the obsolescence and
abandonment of many expensive air-
ports, which are just not usable for
modern commercial air transporta-
tion. The remarks here refer prin-
cipally to airports constructed in the
twenties and to even those built in
the period immediately preceding
the war. During the war, many ex-
cellent airports were constructed for
military purposes by the Govern-
ment, and in many cases, these same
airports now provide modern, well
designed bases for commercial opera-
tion.
In development of an airport
many interests have to be taken into
consideration. No longer are airports
built simply to serve as stopping
places for commercial air transports.
There is an awakening in the nation,
a realization that the welfare of its
citizens is inextricably a part of each
and every project. Congress has rec-
ognized this fact in the passage of
the National Airports Bill granting
federal aid for airport development.
The airlines provide the vehicles to
take the business developed by its
citizens in and out of a given city.
The cost of operation is of great
concern to the general public as is
the cost of the ground plant neces-
sary to provide this service. Few
people realize that the total invest-
ment in ground facilities is a small
part of the business generated
through this new form of transporta-
tion and that they and the air carriers
are partners in the true sense of the
word. The distribution of cost for
both airline operation and the con-
struction and maintenance of the
fixed plant is the principal subject
of negotiation today. Airport de-
velopment is held back in some cases
because of a failure to negotiate satis-
factory terms. In other cases, the op-
eration of airlines is restricted be-
cause of short sighted policies of gov-
erning bodies. The airlines them-
selves are not without blame in this
respect and share the responsibility.
It is axiomatic that if we adopt the
short-sighted policy requiring the
airlines to pay the major portion of
cost of the expensive ground plant,
without regard to potential revenue
from other sources, fares will be
raised to such a level that the large
ground plants projected would be-
come unnecessary because of the re-
sultant loss of market. The theory
that the airlines should pay the bulk
of costs can prove a deterrent of in-
estimable magnitude to business and
industry in many cities. What is the
answer?
Our country is the acknowledged
leader in the field of aviation. We
believe in it. We have built up the
greatest air transportation system in
the world. It is certain that this in-
dustry will go forward. It will be
the principal medium in uniting peo-
ples of the entire world. As speeds
increase, it will become also an im-
portant means of communication.
The traffic potential that may be
generated is enormous and air travel
will supplant many present day
methods of doing business by slower
and more cumbersome means.
If we accept all of this, then the
problem is to find the equation that
provides air transportation at the
lowest possible cost for John Q. Citi-
zen. After all contributing elements
have been thoroughly recognized, it
seems that the cost of passenger
transportation should be relatively
low so that it will be within reach of
the greatest number of income lev-
els. The burden of cost should be
borne by commercial developments
on the airport which benefit by air
transportation. Cities, states, the fed-
eral government in all of its branches,
and business in general all have im-
portant stakes in the larger problem
and should all bear a relative per-
centage of the cost commensurate
with the advantages to each.
When the Port of New York Au-
thority proposed to spend $191,000,-
000 for the development of the
New York airports in addition to
approximately $90,000,000 already
spent by the city, an economic prob-
lem was created. Obviously, a reve-
nue picture had to balance this
capital cost. Where was this revenue
to come from? The size of the proj-
ect in dollars is a substantial portion
of the invested capital of the entire
commercial air transportation in-
dustry.
The Port immediately set about
to create an aviation center on a
regional basis and Idlewild and La-
Guardia became major business en-
terprises. It was acknowledged that
the commercial airlines could not be
expected to contribute the major
share of the total revenue. Non-
airline revenue became the principal
object of study for this huge invest-
ment; every avenue of approach was
taken. The project was scaled up
and down in an attempt to justify
the economic picture in each stage
of development.
The Port recognizes that one of
the easiest ways to break the back
of the airline industry is to saddle it
with unbearable costs. At the same
time, being a sound and progressive
business organization, the Port must
justify its investments to its bond
holders. From the Port of New York
and airline studies in the New York
area should come some interesting
data which may help chart the
course for future development else-
where.
Last year, 18,500,000 passengers
were flown on the domestic airlines,
S
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
and the crystal gazers tell us that
50,000,000 passengers will be flown
in 1960. In the last pre-war year,
1940, 2,800,000 passengers were
flown. A quick look at these figures
impresses one with the seriousness
and magnitude of the problem:
How can the present traffic, al-
ready much greater than in pre-war
years, be handled now, and what
must be done now to prepare for the
accommodations necessary to satisfy
the traffic of 1960?
All kinds of goods and services
must be provided in addition to the
basic transportation needs of these
people. Airports will become social
centers and will symbolize the de-
gree of participation of a given com-
munity in the aviation pattern. A
pressing need is for larger and im-
proved passenger station facilities.
A rapidly growing part of the indus-
try is air freight. It will not be long
before air freight terminals will be
centers of major activity at airports.
Congress has under consideration a
program to provide post offices on
airports. This may presage the car-
rying of almost all first-class mail by
air and the installation of an air
parcel post service. Such develop-
ments would bring more traffic to
airports and greatly increase the
building needs.
Wise planning demands decen-
tralization of the principal elements
which make up the ground plant of
an airport. Since we do not actually
know the picture of the future, we
can ill-afford to build all-purpose
buildings which are not easily ex-
panded or used for purposes other
than those for which they were de-
signed. Initial cost may be slightly
higher where this philosophy is used,
but it will pay dividends in the facil-
ity of expansion and the elimination
of congestion at unpredictable dates
in the future. Certainly our experi-
ence in the past has shown this to be
true. It is less costly to plan intelli-
gently than to be expedient in satis-
fying the needs of the hour without
regard to what happens when condi-
tions change.
Leaders in the field advocate de-
centralized and modular planning,
simplicity of form and construction,
and low capital cost structures. The
architecture of the age of flight
should bear some relationship to the
age it will typify. Monumental air-
port architecture should be relegated
to the past where it belongs and not
be resurrected when an attempt is
made to express a dynamic and pro-
gressive industry. The architectural
and engineering professions will be
most helpful if they will make maxi-
mum use of light construction and
new building methods and materials.
Here is an opportunity to create an
architecture that is truly American;
planners should bear this in mind
when urged to fall back on architec-
tural idioms of the past.
An airport passenger station, usu-
ally referred to as the "terminal
building," should be a highly func-
tional structure. It contains, besides
the public areas, an integral part of
the nerve system of the airline.
There is no need to house this type
of activity in monumental high cost
buildings. We must approach pas-
senger station design with the same
cold economic analysis that is ap-
plied to an apartment building, a
department store, or any other busi-
ness structure.
The facilities that are planned for
the convenience and use of the gen-
eral public as well as for airline
passengers and which are of a non-
airline category should carry the cost
of buildings to house them, plus a
sufficient bonus to the city (prefer-
ably based on activity and volume)
to contribute to the general good of
the airport. Facilities built strictly
for airline operation and containing
operational offices should, as stated
above, be simple in construction with
low first cost and should be subject
to complete amortization by airlines
using them. We will run into trouble
when the air carriers are called upon
to assist in carrying the burden of
high building costs, the primary use
of which is non-airline.
It must be recognized that the de-
sign of a passenger station to serve
air transportation differs from that
to serve surface transportation. Fun-
damentally, the problem is the same,
but the physical characteristics of
the airplane introduce problems in
circulation not usually present to the
same degree in the design of a rail-
road or bus terminal. Actually, the
analogy is more nearly to that of a
series of docks on the waterfront.
It is generally agreed that the
space required to dock one plane is
150 lineal feet. Seven of these are
necessary to handle the passenger
capacity of a single average railroad
train. In other words, where large
traffic is to be handled, the problem
(Please turn to page 26)
Airport scenes such as this taken at New York's LaGuardia Field em-
phasize the immensity of modern airliners. The plane above is 1OOV2
feet long, has a wing spand of 11 Wi feet, and carries 52 passengers
plus 6,000 pounds of cargo on one-stop coast-to-coast schedules.
MARCH, 1948
ffltls
in
Industrial Research-!
by JESSE E. HOBSONI
Application of basic scientific
knowledge, through applied or in-
dustrial research, to the problems of
industry and government was given
great impetus during the war when
applied research laboratories suc-
ceeded in meeting the national emer-
gency. Postwar needs for technolog-
ical developments are only a degree
less urgent, and we find both indus-
try and government engaged in
large-scale programs of scientific ac-
tivity. Research, both basic and ap-
plied, has become a major resource.
Viewed in any light — expenditures,
manpower, contribution to the na-
tion's economy, contribution to na-
tional security, or promotion of gen-
eral welfare — research has become
big business and a major profession.
Research In Industry
INCREASED LABOR COSTS and
higher taxes, plus increased com-
petition between industries and be-
tween companies within an industry,
are causing more emphasis to be
placed on the application of scien-
tific knowledge for the development
of new products and processes, re-
duction of production and service
costs, and improvement of the qual-
ity of existing products. Last year
brought a marked expansion of in-
e in the May
*ill appear in
forthcoming International Industry Yearbook,
edited by Lloyd Hughlett and published by
McGraw-Hill International Company.
t Until March 1, director of Armour Research
Foundation of Illinois Institute of Technology,
now director of the Stanford University Research
Institute.
vestment by industry in industrial
research in existing laboratories, in
the development of new laboratories,
and in research "farmed out" to in-
dependent laboratories and to uni-
versities.
The National Research Council
reports 133,515 persons now em-
ployed in more than 2450 labora-
tories of industry, an increase of al-
most 100% over the total personnel
of 70,000 reported in 1940. The
rapid increase in the number of lab-
oratories and laboratory personnel
since 1915 indicates a long term
trend. In 1915 there were only 100
such laboratories. Five years later
there were 300. employing 9300 per-
sons. By 1939, 34,000 persons were
employed in 1625 laboratories.
Included in the present total of
133,515 are 55,000 professional per-
Dr. Hobson is shown at his desk with a model of the continuous belt
recording machine. The machine was designed by Marvin Camras of
Armour Research Foundation and developed by the Mast Developing
Company, Davenport, Iowa.
10
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
sons, as compared with 35,000 in
1940. A smaller percentage increase
of professional personnel than total
personnel is an indication of the
growing shortage of scientists and
engineers, particularly those with ad-
vanced training.
According to the National Re-
search Council, professional person-
nel in the laboratories of industry
are distributed among the branches
of science as follows:
Chemists, 21,095; biologists, 1,-
695; engineers, 20,637; doctors of
medicine, 236; physicists, 2,660;
metallurgists, 2,3 64; psychologists,
22; geologists, 81; not classified, 5,-
567.
Although John R. Steelman 1 esti-
mates the annual expenditures for
research by industry at $450 million,
others are inclined to place the prob-
able expenditures nearer $600 mil-
lion or $700 million. In any event,
expenditures have increased about
100% since 1940. A recent survey
by the Patents and Research Com-
mittee of the National Association
of Manufacturers disclosed that an-
ticipated expenditures by the Asso-
ciation's members for 1947 will be
270% above 1939 and 14% above
1946. Several companies reported
that their 1947 research and de-
velopment budgets will be more than
10 times their expenditures in 1939.
Research programs are carried on
by 750 of the 983 companies cov-
ered by the NAM survey. Replies
further indicated an average ratio of
research investment to gross sales for
1947 of 1.6%, as compared with
1.86% for 1939.
Business Record 2 reports that the
median percentage of the sales dollar
The top picture shows the first building completed at the new Johns-
Manville research center located 40 miles from New York City. This
unit is 572 feet long. Pictured also is an artist's sketch of the new Merck
research building now nearing completion in Rahway, N. J.
1 In his Report to the President, Science and
Public Policy.
2 "A Survey of Business Practices," March,
1947.
spent on research falls between
\ x h°7o and 2%, with some com-
panies spending as much as 5% and
a very small minority allocating little
or nothing to research and develop-
ment. This survey also shows that
most companies report a higher per-
centage of the sales dollar spent on
research and development than be-
fore the war; and it points out that,
whereas the ratio may be the same
as or below the prewar rate, aggre-
gate research expenditures in many
instances show a sharp rise over
1939 and 1940.
(This point is illustrated by the
record of a railroad equipment com-
pany which showed 1.1% of sales
spent on research both in 1946 and
1939, but with total expenditures in
1946 amounting to $852,000 as com-
pared with $273,000 in 1939, a gain
of 212%.)
A survey on the "Research Re-
quirements of American Industry"
by the Evans Research and Develop-
ment Corporation concludes that
87.1% of industry e-.s a whole is
spending more for rest arch than in
the prewar period, 10 6% the same
as in the prewar period, and only
2.3% spends less than in the pre-
war period. Further, 86.1% of all
industries benefited from their war-
time research activities. It is signifi-
cant that 72.5% expect to increase
their research activities in the future
and that 60% expect to expand their
facilities. From one to two years is
needed before industrial research
can be brought to the desired level,
according to 45% of the reporting
industries.
The same survey reveals that
47.6% of industry invests funds in
research to improve present products
MARCH, 1948
II
The pilot plant for research on manufacture of industrial insulations recently unveiled at the new Johns-
Manville research center.
and processes, 42.3% to develop new
products and processes in their own
fields, and 14.7% to develop prod-
ucts and processes in other fields.
Barrons National Business and
Financial Weekly 3 states as ex-
amples of current expenditures for
research :
"The American Cyanamid Com-
pany . . . spent almost S7 million in
1945; six years before it spent less
than $2 million. The Bendix Avia-
tion Corporation presents an even
more striking picture. Its research
and engineering expenses for 1945
were approximately $18 million as
contrasted with a 1939 figure of $2.5
million. International Business Ma-
chines Corporation more than
doubled its prewar budget of $1 mil-
lion. Addressograph-Multigraph,
Monsanto Chemical, Westvaco Prod-
ucts, American Smelting and Refin-
ing, Allis-Chalmers and a host of
others had like stories to tell. The
figures vary, but the principle re-
mains the same:
"These corporations all regard
money spent tor research as a defi-
nite investment and are pouring
more funds into it, as they would into
any investment that has proved its
profitability."
No one can accurately predict the
future budgets for research by in-
dustry. One thing, however, is cer-
tain: industrial budgets for research
not only will increase but must in-
crease if American industry is to
keep its place as world leader and
■ Feb. 17, 1947, article by Ro'~»rt
maintain its position in world trade.
Some research leaders have pre-
dicted research expenditures will
double within the next 10 years. If
this occurs, research by industry
alone will exceed one billion dollars.
Certain factors inevitably will in-
crease the costs of industrial re-
search and perhaps decelerate an ex-
tension of the rapid growth of the
past several years. The shortage of
trained scientists and engineers cre-
ated by wartime reduction of college
training certainly will increase re-
search salaries. Many scientific prob-
lems can be solved now only with
the use of intricate and expensive
scientific equipment and through the
cooperative efforts of research teams
trained in several fields.
Furthermore, the cost of produc-
(Please turn to page 30)
12
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Fundamental and Applied
RESEARCH IN GEOMETRY
by KARL MENGER
MUCH HAS BEEN SAID and
written about the relations be-
tween fundamental and applied re-
search. Geometry supplies us with
examples for almost any expected
and unexpected contingency.
There was, for instance, the purely
theoretical question as to whether or
not a certain geometrical proposi-
tion could be logically derived from
other propositions — and eventually
the research about this question led
to modern Cosmology (Part I). If
this application is not "earthly"
enough, there were the purely theo-
retical speculations about miniature
planes containing only a finite num-
ber of points; and these speculations
resulted in methods of testing ferti-
lizers in agricultural experiments
(Part II). There are, on the other
hand, examples of the fact that suf-
ficiently profound research on ap-
plied problems occasionally opens
wider theoretical vistas than vision-
less theoretical studies. The geomet-
rical consequences of Kirchhoff's
theory of electrical networks in what
is called the "topology of graphs"
illustrate this fact (Part III). What-
ever their relations to geometry, stars
and fertilizers and currents belong
to the physical universe. In order to
complete the picture we add a few
remarks about graphs in the social
universe of tastes and voluntary de-
cisions. We outline an application of
geometrical thinking to the famous
ethical principle known as the cate-
gorical imperative (Part IV).
Need we say that our general re-
marks might be confirmed by numer-
ous other facts? Our selection has
Figure 1.
been prompted by the idea of pre-
senting to the readers of this journal
topics of research in the field of
pure geometry carried on at Illinois
Institute of Technology.
I. Parallel Lines And
Cosmology
In his "Elements," Euclid de-
veloped a large part of geometry
from postulates which he enumer-
ated at the beginning of his book.
One of the most outstanding features
of the famous work was the fact
that Euclid derived imposingly many
and complicated conclusions from
astoundingly few and simple assump-
tions — so much from so little that
geometers became over-exacting.
They tried to derive from Euclid's
other assumptions the only postulate
which was somewhat complicated:
namely, the parallel postulate. Ac-
cording to this postulate, for a given
line 1 and a point P not on 1, the
plane determined by 1 and P con-
tains exactly one line that passes
through P and has no point in com-
mon with 1. This line (the line 1' in
Fig. 1) is called the parallel to 1
through P. The unsuccessful efforts
to derive this parallel postulate from
Euclid's other assumptions constitute
the greater part of the geometrical
activity during the 2000 years fol-
lowing the publication of Euclid's
"Elements".
It was only at the beginning of
the 19th century that the truth
dawned on geometers: namely, that
the parallel postulate could not be
derived from Euclid's other assump-
tions. And even before this fact was
rigorously established, two geom-
eters, Bolyai and Lobachevsky, be-
gan the actual development of a
theory based on an assumption that
contradicted Euclid's parallel postu-
late. They started with the hypoth-
esis that for a given line 1 and a
point P not on 1, the plane de-
termined by / and P contains more
than one line passing through P and
not intersecting 1. Certainly this
latter assumption is valid on a sheet
of paper, or in the rectangle of Fig.
2 where we can draw many lines
through P, such as /', m, and n which
inside the rectangle have no common
point with 1. The system of con-
sequences of Bolyai's and Lobachev-
sky's parallel postulate in conjunc-
tion with Euclid's other assumptions
is called Non-Euclidean Geometry.
It cannot be stressed enough that
this non-euclidean geometry started
as a purely intellectual game. As was
mentioned above, at first even the
logical consistency of the game was
doubtful; for, as long as there was
MARCH, 1948
13
Figure 2.
a possibility of proving Euclid's par-
allel postulate from his other as-
sumptions, the non-euclidean geom-
etry was threatened by the danger
of contradiction. But around 1870,
Beltrami and Klein precluded the
possibility of Euclid's postulate ever
being proved. Their method consists
in exhibiting objects of the Euclidean
plane which satisfy all the assump-
tions that Bolyai and Lobachevsky
made about points and lines in the
non-euclidean plane. Every contra-
diction derived from these latter as-
sumptions would thus constitute a
contradiction in the theory of some
objects in the euclidean plane. These
Beltrami-Klein objects are the
points and lines in a bounded piece
of the euclidean plane such as the
rectangle of Fig. 2, the only differ-
ence being that, for technical reasons,
a circular or elliptic domain rather
than a rectangle is chosen.
The geometry of Bolyai and Loba-
chevsky was followed by other non-
euclidean geometries which deviated
from euclidean in other respects.
Riemann was the first to develop a
general theory which included Eu-
clid's geometry along with a large
number of non-euclidean geometries.
For over half a century his research
remained buried in the journals on
pure mathematics; and, even in the
realm of pure mathematics, it occu-
pied a corner that seemed to be
14
particularly remote from possible ap-
plications.
During this entire period, appli-
cations of geometry were based en-
tirely on Euclid's "Elements." The
reason was that Euclid's assumptions
were extrapolations to space "in the
large" of observations concerning
chalk dots and lines on a blackboard,
and concerning little particles and
certain rigid rods.
In the second decade of our cen-
tury the situation was changed by
the general theory of relativity. At
the foundation of this theory are the
assumptions: that cross hairs in tele-
scopes and light rays behave like
points and lines in a general geom-
etry such as that studied by Rie-
mann; that their more specific prop-
erties and relations vary from one
region of the space to another; and
that in each region these relations
depend upon the distribution of
masses in that region. In elaborating
on these ideas, Einstein and his col-
laborators unearthed the work of
geometers done during the preceding
century and brought it from its re-
mote corner into the center of in-
terest to physicists, astronomers, and
cosmologists. It is hardly an over-
statement to say that the develop-
ment of the theory of relativity and
modern cosmology would have been
retarded by many decades had ge-
ometers not prepared non-euclidean
geometries, developed purely for the
sake of their intellectual interest.
After the Beltrami-Klein proof of
the fact that non-euclidean geometry
is logically as consistent as euclid-
ean, and after the application of non-
euclidean geometry to Nature,
philosophers with pro-euclidean
prejudices had to withdraw to the
rather vague position that euclidean
geometry is simpler than any non-
euclidean geometry, and, besides
that it is the only intuitive theory
of space.
A new theory of the Bolyai and
Lobachevsky space, developed by
the author and his collaborators dur-
ing the last decade, seems to indicate
that, quite to the contrary, this non-
euclidean geometry is simpler than
euclidean. For the new development
of the geometry of Bolyai and Loba-
chevsky is based entirely on a few
simple assumptions about the opera-
tions of joining points and intersect-
ing lines, while mere assumptions
about joining points and intersect-
ing lines (or even about the ar-
rangement of points on lines and in
planes) can never supply us with a
complete foundation for euclidean
geometry. In fact, it can be proved
that a complete postulational theory
of the euclidean space must be based
on assumptions about congruency or
perpendicularity 1 .
On several occasions during the
past few years we have pointed out
that the visual space is non-euclid-
ean. What we see at a given moment
is just one half of a euclidean space,
viz., the half before us. What we see
of the floor on which we stand is
one half of a euclidean plane. The
visible part can be obtained by de-
leting from the entire plane a line
and all points on one side of this line
in the same way as a non-euclidean
plane can be obtained by deleting
from the euclidean plane an ellipse
and all points outside of this ellipse.
The analogy becomes even stronger
if we notice that both ellipse and
straight line are conic sections, the
former being a degenerate section.
For this reason we have called the
visual space a degenerate non-euclid-
ean or semi-euclidean space.
In concluding, we may point out
that at present one of the greatest
problems of geometry seems to be
the development of new ideas (prob-
ably statistical ideas) concerning the
properties of space "in the small".
For while non-euclidean geometries
have modified and generalized Eu-
clid's extrapolation of blackboard
conditions to the large we still cling
to his extrapolation of these condi-
tions to the small 2 . If geometers had
the leisure to follow their purely in-
tellectual impulses in this direction,
the results could be applied to psy-
(Please turn to page 38)
I The same is true for the spherical as well as
the so-called elliptic geometry so that among the
classical geometries, that of Bolyai and Lobachev-
sky rather than that of Euclid enjoys a unique
simplicity.
; An attempt to replace geometry "in the
small" by a statistical theory is to be found in
the author's note in Proc. Nat. Acad. Science,
28, (1942) p. 535.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
A SOCIETY CAN BE only as
strong as are the homes of which
it is composed. Upon the character
of these depends the welfare of the
community and ultimately of the na-
tion. The need for satisfying homes
and family relationships is greater at
present than ever before. The press
today is filled with shocking stories
of juvenile delinquency, crime, and
frustration — a result of the failure of
American men and women to estab-
lish and maintain homes that meet
the fundamental needs of family
members. The proportion of depend-
ency and delinquency associated
with broken homes is overwhelming.
There is within every individual a
need for security and for affection
that can be satisfied by belonging to
and being an integral part of a group,
by giving and receiving affection, and
by the certain knowledge that one is
necessary to the happiness of other
human beings. Normally, this funda-
mental emotional need is met in the
home where the child is secure in the
affection of his parents and siblings.
From this small circle, his acquaint-
ances increase and he is able to re-
late himself to others and to society
because of a satisfying experience in
his family relationships. It is axio-
matic in human relationships that
one gives as he has received and that
he is unable to give to others unless
he has received from others a like
kind and amount of affection and
understanding.
The home is also an educational
institution where the child learns, in
addition to an enormous amount of
fundamental information, the atti-
tudes and habits that serve him help-
fully or harmfully throughout life.
Nor is education in the home con-
fined to the young child. Throughout
childhood one learns from his home
environment and particularly from
the other family members. Adults
may also learn, from one another
and from their children, to live to-
gether harmoniously, to share joys
and disappointments, and to build a
sense of family solidarity which in-
Profi
ess/on:
*JLAAA_
by MARY LOUISE MOJONNIER
<LTL^
MARChl. 1948
15
(ESION
!*■■-» ?
■-Mt^h, -?;
Students in interior design are taught the effective use of color, line,
and texture in interior decoration.
fluences their contribution to the
community.
Homemaking claims the time of
more women than any other occupa-
tion. That it is a profession is too
little understood today, for a home
does not just happen; it has to be
created. Successful homemaking re-
quires times, effort, and specialized
skills and knowledge, plus constant
attention to the maintenance of
standards of performance and con-
tinued study to keep abreast of late
developments. A home, of course,
does not consist only of the material
things that make a house, nor of
the organization that makes it run
smoothly, but it consists also of the
warm human relationships which
serve to bring about happy family
life. A practice of the knowledge and
skills that produce the atmosphere
and satisfaction of a home constitutes
the profession of homemaking.
Home economics, which is essen-
tially training for the profession of
homemaking. is based on the philoso-
phy that education can definitely
bring about improvement in home
and family life. Homemaking may
be practiced by the person in one's
own home or in an institution which
is a temporary or substitute home for
its inmates, or by influencing others
to improve their homes. Teaching in
home economics is not confined to
the classroom, but it also extends to
community education through health
and welfare agencies, and to the busi-
ness field. Many professional work-
ers in home economics specialize in
certain fields, but the contribution in
each fiield is toward the common
goal of improved home and family
living.
Home economics, as a field of edu-
cation, grew from the conviction of
early leaders that the application
of science to home problems could
greatly improve the physical aspects
of the home, that the application of
art principles could enhance the aes-
thetic satisfaction derived from home
surroundings, and that the applica-
tion of social sciences could strength-
en family economic practices and
human relationships. This study has
changed in the last 50 years as these
three fields of fundamental knowl-
edge have expanded. It now includes
a study of all aspects of family living
— material, economic, and social.
Fields Of Home Economics
At Illinois Institute of Technology
a general home economics curricu-
lum is offered. Some specialization
is possible, but this is limited to the
junior and senior years when elec-
tives may be chosen according to the
student's interest. No specialized
bachelors degrees are granted. This
practice results from the philosophy
that undergraduate training should
be built on a broad base and that
specialization should be confined to
the graduate level. The home eco-
nomics fields studied in the under-
graduate courses are foods, nutrition,
equipment, textiles, clothing, related
art, child development, family eco-
nomics, and family relationships. Be-
cause home economics is concerned
with the application of principles
from other fields, the course of study
requires at least introductory courses
in mathematics, chemistry, physics,
physiology, economics, psychology,
and sociology. Students are encour-
aged to go beyond requirments in
these fields when their interests so
dictate.
In foods and nutrition, one studies
food in relation to social, economic,
and nutritional needs, the chemical
composition of foods, and the effect
of various types of preparation on
each. From this study, principles of
cookery are developed which enable
the student to modify recipes, and to
develop new ones as the occasion
arises. One becomes acquainted with
commercial methods of food process-
ing and studies the effect of each on
the cost, flavor, and nutritive value
of the product. Common methods of
home food preservation and safe
methods of food handling to avoid
contamination are taught. Cost,
(Please turn to page 48)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
The Challenge To Freedom
by JOHN DAY LARKIN*
WE MIGHT FIRST ASK,
what are those features of our
civilization which have given rise to
our liberties — our personal freedom.
There are many, of course. But I
should like to stress at least two
forces which seem to me to have
been vital factors in advancing
Western civilization — and especially
its contribution to personal freedom.
I choose these two because I believe
them to be most vital, and perhaps
the most likely to figure in our fu-
ture way of life. First in point of
time, if not otherwise, is religion —
with us largely the Christian reli-
gion; and second, the growth of sci-
ence and technology. Both of these
have been tremendous factors in the
evolution of Western civilization.
And both have made unmistakable
contributions to our so-called demo-
cratic way of life.
In considering Christian religion
as being a major factor in the ad-
vancement of Western democracy
(and the freedom which is such an
essential factor in democracy) we
should have it clearly understood
that our reference is to the teachings
of Christ — and the religion which
such teachings engender and not
necessarily to the Church, or any
church. Churches are human institu-
tions, subject to the frailties of those
human characters who run them.
Generally they have been important
factors in the promotion of religion.
But not always. At certain times and
places churches have lent their pow-
er and prestige to reaction, to the
promotion of slavery, to serfdom, to
tyranny, and to all manner of un-
christian objectives. But the religion
of the brotherhood of man — the
very foundation of freedom and de-
mocracy — is the factor of which we
speak. In short, Western democracy
emerged from a profoundly religious
civilization. Whether or not it could
have grown from irreligious roots,
the fact remains that it did not do so.
At two turning points in English
history Christianity played a deci-
sive part. In the eighteenth century
John Wesley broke away from the
narrow Anglicanism of his day and
took the gospel to the poor. His re-
forms led to the tremendous expan-
sion of the Nonconformists or free
churches, which in turn decisively
influenced the beginnings of many
liberal forces in Britain. And again,
during the nineteenth century, waves
* Dean of the Division of Liberal Studies, llli-
noise Institute of Technology. "The Challenge to
Freedom" was delivered by Dr. Larkin in Curtiss
Hall of the Fine Arts building, Chicago, on Janu-
ary 29, 1948, as the first of a series of lectures
sponsored by the Illinois Tech Alumni Associ-
ation.
of reform sponsored by Christian
leaders swept over Britain — reach-
ing into the prisons, the galleys, the
mines, the factories and the work-
houses. Most of these reform move-
ments ultimately found expression
in acts of Parliament in the interest
of human rights. 1
The history of this country is re-
plete with comparable chapters in-
spired by religious leaders. The first
colonists founded societies so thor-
oughly religious that some of them
were practically theocracies. The
drafters of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and of the Bill of Rights
in our Constitution, may not have
all been Christians — in fact we know
that some were not professed of that
faith — yet both documents breathe
the spirit of the natural law and of
a divine order which were also the
bedrocks of European political and
religious thought. The pioneer wom-
en, who promoted "law and order"
on our frontiers, based their cham-
pionship of both on the faith they
had in Christianity. And at the
greatest crisis of this country's his-
tory, its deeply religious feeling
found expression in Abraham Lin-
coln — a man without active affilia-
tion with any church, but who is
universally regarded as one of the
most Christian statesmen the world
has ever known.
No one will deny the strength of
the other forces that have molded
America, but the strength of the
Christian strand is so formidable
that those who wish to prove it im-
material to the development of de-
mocracy will not be able to produce
historical data to support their con-
tentions. The answer of history is
irrefutable. Democracy and religion
have so far been inseparable. And,
(Please turn to page 52)
MARCH, 1948
"17
Partners
in
Research
ARMOUR RESEARCH FOUN-
DATION of Illinois Institute
of Technology has just completed its
eleventh year as an active partner
of industry and government in the
all important field of industrial re-
search. Coordination of personnel
and facilities, — pooling of knowledge
and experience, — and wholehearted
cooperation by and with industry
* Extracted from the Annual Report ot Armour
Research Foundation ot Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology.
r
T
and government have once again
permitted it to make a significant
contribution to the economic and
technological wealth and strength of
the United States.
During the past year, more than
200 sponsors of industrial research
utilized the specialized staff of sci-
entists, engineers and technicians
and extensive equipment and facili-
ties available to them under the
Armour Plan tor Industrial Research.
The soundness of this partnership
is substantiated by the increasing
research demands made upon the
Foundation and its continued
growth. Operating expenditures for
the coming year are expected to
exceed three million dollars. Expan-
43
f f
• • • • •
f f f f I 97
iiiiiiiiii 92
sion in operations and facilities and
in staff improvement, described in
detail later, has more than kept pace
with the rapid increase of applied
research.
The year has been highlighted by
a broader and more effective re-
search service to our sponsors and
by an expanding sphere of influence
and prestige for the Foundation.
The Foundation is at work to pro-
vide technical information, and the
problems as presented by industry
and government become its prob-
lems. Their close and deep under-
standing of the problems at hand is
invaluable, and their suggestions and
observations during the prosecution
of the various research projects have
been guideposts in bringing these
problems to a conclusion satisfactory
to all.
Although a conclusion satisfactory
to the sponsor and to ourselves is an
ultimate goal, situations not previ-
ously contemplated sometimes de-
velop. However, in research every
move is valuable, either in gaining
more knowledge of creation and op-
eration, or in knowing what to avoid
in future operations of a similar na-
ture.
At the Foundation, research is the
division of scientific endeavor, which,
regardless of success or failure on a
specific problem, is never considered
worthless, for even from negative
results, knowledge, experience and
sometimes the unanticipated are
achieved.
During the fiscal year 1946-47,
iiiiii iii i ii
F 1 25S
fffffffffin
r t 1 1
iiiiiiiiiiii
n f f f f l «•
fffffifffffi
r f f 1 f f f f 3 ™
iiiiiiiiiiii
ffffflfffffl 445
iiiiiiiiiiii
fiiiiii i i i i ii
Personnel at Armour Research Foundation, 1936-1947.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
there were 214 active industrial re-
search projects. At the beginning of
this fiscal year, the staff engaged in
research on 105 active projects. Of
these, 42 were active one year ago;
63 are new projects; 86 of those
active a year ago were terminated
or are now inactive, and 23 projects
were both started and completed
during the year.
Personnel
As of September 1, 1947, the staff
of the Foundation totaled 488. This
is an increase of 43 persons over the
staff at the close of the 1945-46 fiscal
year. Thirty-one of the new mem-
bers are technical people. A break-
down of the staff shows:
Non-
Tech- Tech-
nical nical
Administrative 5 7
Magnetic Recorder Division .... 3 2
International Division 4 —
Research Division
Ceramics and Minerals 11 —
Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering 44 —
Electrical Engineering 20 —
Applied Mechanics 73 —
Mechanical Engineering 67 —
Metals 31 —
Physics 41 —
General Consultants 23 —
Business Staff — 17
Clerical Staff — 46
Research Services — 71
Maintenance — 19
Miscellaneous — 4
Total 488 322 166
A further analysis of the 322
members of the technical staff shows
that 12.5 per cent were occupied
with scientific or technical super-
vision; 59 per cent consisted of re-
search scientists and engineers; and
28.5 per cent were classed as tech-
nical and scientific assistants.
The prestige of an organization
such as the Foundation depends to
a large degree upon the individual
staff members, their publications,
patents, and participation in tech-
nical societies.
During the past year, staff mem-
bers published 45 technical papers,
two scientific books, and presented
83 technical talks. Twenty-one pat-
ents were filed or are in preparation
for filing in behalf of our sponsors.
Twenty patents were issued to the
Foundation and its staff members,
not including those for our sponsors.
Sixty-nine patent disclosures not
pertaining to research projects were
submitted. Of these 32 were turned
back to the inventor; 24 were rec-
ommended for research projects,
either by the Foundation or by out-
side sponsors, and 13 are under con-
sideration by the patent committee.
Technical seminars in the fields of
acoustics, vibrations, power systems
engineering, design, electronics, me-
chanics of solids, and others are
maintained regularly by the staff.
The staff has been active in affairs
of professional and technical socie-
ties, both in Chicago and in national
organizations.
In addition to staff additions, per-
sonnel improvement was brought
about during the year by further
educational activities of staff mem-
bers. In all, 134 members of the
technical staff enrolled in 172
courses, all except five of which were
at the Illinois Institute of Technol-
ogy.
Financial Summary
The Foundation has just com-
pleted the largest annual volume of
research business in its history.
Year after year our annual re-
search volume has reflected a very
significant increase in sponsored re-
search projects. However, gross re-
search volume for the fiscal years
1946-47 was in excess of $2,550,000
— an increase of 34.6 per cent over
research volume for the previous
year. This represents the greatest
increase in gross research volume in
the entire history of the Foundation.
Government Projects
The character of the work we are
continuing to undertake for the
armed forces and various other gov-
ernment agencies is becoming stead-
ily more desirable from a research
1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945
Research Volume at Armour Research Foundation, 1936-1947
1946 1947
MARCH, 1948
19
Distribution of companies sponsoring research activities.
point of view; and in most cases, in
an effective manner supplements our
research program for industry and
increases our store of knowledge and
experience.
It is the overall policy of the
Foundation to render all possible
assistance to research for military
security, for public health, and for
the development of our natural re-
sources. However, at the same time,
we must recognize our primary ob-
jective as being one of service to
industry and, therefore, must keep
the major portion of our facilities
and personnel available for industry.
In keeping with this Foundation
policy, government sponsored re-
search was held to a reasonable
percentage of our total business.
Research Division
Applied Mechanics
Reorganization of the Mechanics
group during the past year resulted
in the merging of the Fluid Me-
chanics Division with the Solids
Mechanics Division, and changing
the title of the combined group to
"Applied Mechanics Research."
Perhaps the most significant
change in organization of this de-
partment has been the establishment
of close cooperation between Ap-
plied Mechanics Research at the
Foundation and the Department of
Mechanics at Illinois Institute of
Technology. This was accomplished
by naming a common chairman for
both departments and establishing a
Fundamental Mechanics Research
Section which can utilize personnel
from both departments and accept
research problems from both. This
merger, together with the inception
of the Fundamental Mechanics Re-
search Section, has resulted in a more
coordinated research group with a
substantial increase in personnel.
Ceramics and Minerals
The end of this fiscal year marked
the completion of the first full year
of operation of Ceramics and Min-
erals Research. This group was first
set up as a separate department in
March, 1946. The research volume
of the department has shown a
steady increase, with a current vol-
ume approximately 50% greater
than that of a year ago.
Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry and Chemical Engi-
neering Research continued to ren-
der an outstanding service to indus-
try during the past year. A Fine
Particles Laboratory has been added
to the number of special services
maintained by the department, such
as the National Registry of Rare
Chemicals and the Dust Analysis
Laboratory.
Several important equipment ad-
ditions were made during the past
year. The effectiveness of the plas-
tics section has been increased by
the addition of a plastic molding ma-
chine. This acquisition will prove of
great benefit in reducing laboratory
research to commercial practice.
Other important additions are a
test chamber providing wide varia-
tions in humidity and temperature,
an infrared spectrophotometer and
a polarograph. A separate laboratory
has been equipped with modern air-
conditioning to provide a humidity
and temperature-controlled dust-free
room for studies in absorption spec-
troscopy and chemical microscopy.
Petroleum research facilities have
20
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
been expanded and improved.
Electrical Engineering
The laboratory facilities and
equipment of the Electrical Engi-
neering Research department were
improved considerably, thus allow-
ing more efficient prosecution of in-
dustrial and fundamental projects.
The AC Network Calculator was
used a total of 238 days in the solu-
tion of power system problems.
Plans are being developed to use
the Calculator on studies other than
power system problems.
The Ohmite Laboratory facilities
were expanded during the year. This
laboratory was quite useful on sev-
eral projects and was of service to
a number of industrial concerns for
standardization purposes. Plans for
the coming year include an exten-
sion of Ohmite Laboratory facilities
to higher frequencies.
Mechanical Engineering
During the year, the equipment
and physical plant of this depart-
ment have been considerably im-
proved. The year was marked by
continued expansion of both person-
nel and facilities in order to provide
a broader service to industry. A
substantial quantity of much needed
equipment was acquired, adding to
both capital equipment and instru-
mentation. The availability of addi-
tional new floor space made it possi-
ble to increase the efficiency of this
department by consolidating its per-
sonnel, laboratories, and activities.
Metals
This research group has expanded
steadily both in personnel and facili-
ties. Important personnel changes
and additions have resulted in thor-
oughly strengthening the depart-
ment. Equipment acquired during
the past year has provided additional
types of facilities in welding, induc-
tion heating, and heat treating. Prior
to this year, Metals already possessed
substantially complete facilities in
fields of metallurgical research,
namely: foundry processes, electro-
chemistry, powder metallurgy and
metal working.
The additional facilities have ne-
cessitated the rearrangement of some
of the equipment and the subsequent
establishment of intergrated working
centers for each of the seven Metals
Research activities. Plans are devel-
oping for providing some additional
floor area, and work is under way for
the installation of new transformers
and power lines to serve the new
equipment.
Physics
The organization of Physics Re-
search has been expanded to include
the direction and operation of River-
bank Acoustical Laboratories located
at Geneva, 111. The addition of these
laboratories to the extensive acous-
tical facilities already available at
the Foundation now makes it possi-
ble to handle practically any type of
research program in the acoustical
field.
The acquisition of a number of
major items of equipment, including
an optical bench, an infrared specto-
graph, and two 75-ton hydraulic
presses, has added materially to the
Physics Research facilities. The con-
solidation of the magnetic recording
research program has been affected
by the provision of additional space
in a separate building.
Industrial projects and research
for other departments continued at
approximately the same level as last
year. It should be noted that about
one-fifth of the time of the Physics
staff was spent on projects for other
departments in keeping with the
Armour Plan for Industrial Research.
It is expected that this situation will
continue, since the fundamental
equipment available in Physics is
useful on many reasearch programs
carried on by other departments.
International Division
This division was established dur-
ing the year with the purpose of
(Please turn to page 58)
PAPER
TEXTILES FOOD
MISC
PETROLEIU
FIBRE GLASS ALLIED
Distribution of sponsored research projects by types of industry.
CLAY
STONE
GLASS
CHEMICALS
PLASTICS
RUBBER
MACHINERY
MOTOR
VEHICLES
ARMOUR
RESEARCH GOVERNMENT
FOUNDATION
MARCH, 1948
Midwest
The Midwest Power Confer-
ence, revived and reorganized
in 1 938, is sponsored by Illinois
Institute of Technology with
the cooperation of the following
midwestern schools and local
and national societies:
Iowa State College, Michigan
State College, Northwestern
University, Purdue University,
State University of Iowa, Uni-
versity of Illinois, University of
Michigan, University of Minne-
sota, University of Wisconsin,
Chicago section of the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers,
Chicago section of American
Institute of Electrical Engi-
neers, Chicago section of Ameri-
can Institute of Mining and
Metallurgical Engineers, Chi-
cago section of American Soci-
ety of Mechanical Engineers,
Illinois section of American So-
ciety of Civil Engineers, Illinois
chapter of American Society of
Heating and Ventilating Engi-
neers, Western Society of En-
gineers, Engineers' Society of
Milwaukee, and National As-
sociation of Power Engineers.
Invitations are extended to
all persons interested in power
production, transmission, or
consumption. Stanton E. Win-
ston, dean of the evening divi-
sion and professor of mechani-
cal engineering at Illinois Tech,
is the conference director.
Final Program
Tenth Annual Meeting
April 7-8-9, 1948
Sheraton Hotel, Chicago
Wednesday, April 7, 1948
8:30 A. M. Registration, Sheraton
Hotel.
10:00 A. M. Opening Meeting. Chair-
main: Henry T. Heald, President.
Illinois Institute of Technology.
(a) Address of Welcome. D. D. Ewing,
Head, School of Electrical Engi-
neering, Purdue University.
(b) Estimates of Future Electric-Power
Needs of the United States. F. R.
Benedict, Manager, Industry Engi-
neering Dept., Westinghouse Elec-
tric Corporation, East Pittsburgh.
(c) Flood Control and Power in the
Southwest. Edwin Vennard, Vice
President, Middle West Service Co.,
Chicago.
(d) The Trek of Industry Westward.
John M. Drabelle, Chief Mechani-
cal and Electrical Engineer, Iowa
Electric Light and Power Co., Cedar
Rapids, Iowa.
12:15 P. M. Joint Luncheon with
A.S.M.E. Chairman: Robert
Krause. Chairman, Chicago Sect.,
A.S.M.E.
Speaker: F. H. Thorne, Vice Presi-
dent, National Aluminate Corp.,
Chicago. "A Man's Reach."
2 :00 P. M. Central Station Practice.*
Chairman: R. B. Gutekunst, Chair-
man, Power & Fuels Div., Chicago,
Sect.. A.S.M.E.
(Sponsored and arranged by the
Power and Fuels Div.. Chicago Sec-
tion, A.S.M.E.)
(a) A New Appraisal of the Fuel Sit-
uation. John Van Brunt, Vice Pres-
dent in Charge of Engineering, Com-
bustion Engineering Co., New York.
2 : 00 P. M. Developments in Heating.
Chairman: William Goodman, Illi-
nois Institute of Technology.
(a) A Simplified Panel Heating Design
Procedure, B. F. Raber and F. W.
Hutchinson, Dept. of Mechanical
Engineering, University of Califor-
nia.
(b) Comparative Performance of Panel
and Convection Systems in Re-
search Residence. S. Konzo and
R. W. Roose, Dept. of Mechnical
Engineering. University of Illinois.
eluded at
3:30 P. M. Diesel Power. Chairman:
John W. Andeen, University of
Minnesota.
(a) Combustion in Diesel Engines. Otto
Uyehara and P. S. Myers, Dept. of
Mechanical Engineering, University
of Wisconsin.
(b) A Test Cell for Measuring Engine
Noise. W. P. Green, Dept. of Me-
chanical Engineering. Illinois Insti-
tute of Technology.
3:30 P. M. Electrical Measurements.
Chairman : F. D. Weeks, Chairman,
Industrial Group, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.
(Sponsored and arranged by the
Industrial Group, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.)
(a) Electrical Measurement of Non-
electrical Quantities. Everett S. Lee,
Engineer, General Engineering and
Consulting Lab., General Electric
Co., Schenectady, N. Y.
(b) Measurement of Power and Power
Factor in Industrial Plants. Erwin
Boland, General Electric Co., West
Lynn, Mass.
(c) D.C. High Power Distribution Sys-
tems, Short Circuit Analysis. Wil-
liam Deans, Chief Engineer, I.T.E.
Circuit Breaker Co., Philadelphia.
3:30 P. M. Power Plant Equipment
and Appraisal. Chairman: Norman
A. Parker, University of Illinois.
(a) Selection of Mechanical Draft Fans.
A. P. Darlington, Head, Mechanical
Draft Div., American Blower Corp.,
Detroit.
(b) Steam Power Plant Appraisal. Har-
ry F. Lowe, Sloan, Cook & Lowe,
Consulting Engineers, Chicago.
(c) Condensers, Their Use and Applica-
tion in Water-Shortage Areas. R. J.
Martin, Dept. of Mechanical Engi-
neering, University of Illinois.
Thursday, April 8, 1948
9 : 00 A. M. Feedwater Treatment No.
1. Chairman: Ben G. Elliott, Uni-
versity of Wisconsin.
(a) Causes and Prevention of Conden-
sate-Return-Line Corrosion. R. T.
Hanlon, Special Service Engineer,
National Aluminate Corp., Chicago.
(b) The Practical Approach to Modern
Boiler Water Treatment. R. C. Ul-
mer. Technical Director, E. F. Drew
& Co., New York.
9:00 A. M. Excitation Systems.
Chairman: R. W. Watson, West-
inghouse Electric Corp.
POWER
22
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
(a) Excitation Requirements and Con
trol of Reactive Power. W. A. Lewis
Illinois Institute of Technology.
(b) Rotating Regulator Excitors. C,
Lynn, Manager, D. C. Engineering
Dept., Westinghouse Electric Corp.
East Pittsburgh.
10:30 A. M. Hydro Power. Chair
man : W. A. Lewis, Illinois Institute
of Technology.
(a) Japanese Electric Power System.
E. J. Burger, Vice President and
Division Manager, Ohio Public
Service Co., Lorain, Ohio.
(b) Sediment Transportation in Streams
in Relation to Power Plant Opera-
tion. M. C. Boyer, Research Engi-
neer, Iowa Institute of Hydraulic
Research, State University of Iowa.
10 : 30 A. M. Locomotive Power Units.
Chairman: D. D. Ewing, Purdue
University.
(a) The Coal-Fired Gas-Turbine Loco-
motive. P. R. Broadley, Mechanical
Engineer, Central Railroad Co. of
N. J., on loan as Ass't. to Director
of Research, Locomotive Develop-
ment Committee, Baltimore.
(b) The Diesel Electric Locomotive.
J. E. Goodwin, Chief Mechanical
Officer, Chicago and Northwestern
Railway System, Chicago.
12:15 P. M. Joint Luncheon with
A.I.E.E. Chairman: Jesse E. Hob-
son, Chairman, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.
Speaker: A. C. Monteith, Manager,
Headquarters Engineering, Westing-
house Electric Corp., East Pitts-
burgh. "Opportunities in the Power
Field."
2:00 P. M. Rural Electrification.
Chairman: T. O. Millard, Chair-
man, Power Group, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.
(Sponsored and arranged by the
Power Group, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.)
(a) Rural Electrification from the Pow-
er Company Viewpoint. Grover C.
Neff, President, Wisconsin Power &
Light Co., Madison.
(b) European vs. American Distribution
in Towns & Rural Areas. K. R.
Brown, Brown Engineering Co., Des
Moines, Iowa.
(c) Application of Oil Reclosures on
Distribution Systems. R. O. Askey,
Public Service Co. of Northern Illi-
nois and C. V. Miller, Joslyn Mfg.
and Supply Co., Chicago.
2:00 P. M. Power Plant Operator
Training. Chairman: Joseph P.
Flynn, President, National Associa-
tion of Power Engineers.
(Sponsored and arranged by the
N.A.P.E.)
Speakers:
Kenneth R. Hodges, Editor, Nation-
al Engineer, Chicago.
Julius Barbour, East Lansing, Mich.
Garrett Burgess, Detroit, Mich.
Stephen C. Casteel, East St. Louis,
111.
3:30 P. M. General Power Systems.
Chairman : E. B. Kurtz, State Uni-
versity of Iowa.
(a) The Foreign Power Situation. Wal-
ker L. Cisler, Chief Engineer of
Power Plants, Detroit Edison Co.
(b) Power System Stability, E. W. Kim-
bark, Dept. of Electrical Engineer-
ing, Northwestern University.
3:30 P. M. Industrial Power Plants.
Chairman: M. P. Cleghorn, Iowa
State College.
(a) Furnace Design Methods, With or
Without Water Walls. Ollison Craig,
Riley Stoker Corp., Worcester,
Mass.
(b) Application of Heat Balance Analy-
sis to Industrial Plants. H. C. Car-
roll, Commercial Testing and Engi-
neering Co., Chicago.
(c) Experience with a Multiple Fuel-
Fired Water-Tube Boiler. R. Frank
Hollis, General Superintendent, Al-
ton Box Board Co., Alton, 111.
6:45 P. M. "All Engineers" Dinner.
Informal. Grand Ball Room.
(Ladies Invited).
Toastmaster: Alex D. Bailey, Vice
President, Commonwealth Edison
Co., Chicago.
Speaker: Colonel Robert R. Mc-
Cormick, Editor and Publisher, Chi-
cago Tribune.
Friday, April 9, 1948
9:00 A. M. The Heat Pump. Chair-
man: R. A. Budenholzer, Illinois
Institute of Technology.
(a) Heat Source Possibilities of the
Earth, (Milwaukee Area Heat-
Pump Study). Charles H. Randolph.
Air Conditioning Engineer, and
O. O. Wagley, Superintendent of
Industrial Sales, Wisconsin Electric
Power Co., Milwaukee.
(b) Investigation of the Heat Pump for
the Chicago Area. M. S. Oldacre,
of Research, Utilities Re-
search Commission, Chicago.
9 : 00 A. M. Feedwater Treatment No.
2. L. G. Miller, Michigan State Col-
lege.
(a) Use of High Alkalinity & Organic
Materials for Sludge Removal in
H-P Boilers. Selden K. Adkins,
Chemist, Omaha Public Power Dist.,
Omaha, Neb.
(b) Recent Developments in Boiler Wa-
ter Research. F. G. Straub, Research
Professor in Chemical Engineering,
University of Illinois.
10:30 A. M. Power and Control.
Chairman: A. H. Wing, Chairman,
Electronics Group, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.
(Sponsored and arranged by the
Electronics Group, Chicago Sect.,
A.I.E.E.)
(a) Circuit Principles of Industrial
Electronic Control. Walther Richter,
Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co.,
Milwaukee.
(b) Rectifier Power Supplies from D-C
Systems. C. R. Marcum, Westing-
house Electric Corp., East Pitts-
burgh.
(c) Electronically Controlled Motor
Drives. Marvin M. Morack, Power
Electronics Div., General Electric
Co., Schenectady, N. Y.
10:30 A. M. Fuels and Combustion.
Chairman: R. Clay Porter, Univer-
sity of Michigan.
(a) Experiment on Underground Gasifi-
cation in the United States. W. C.
Schroeder, Chief, Office of Synthetic
Liquid Fuels, Bureau of Mines,
Washington, D. C.
(b) Possibilities of Coal Processing in
Power Production. A. D. Singh,
President, Singh Co., Chicago.
12:15 P. M. Joint Luncheon with
W.S.E Chairman : William V. Kah-
ler, President, Western Society of
Engineers.
Speaker: Charles E. Friley, Presi-
dent. Iowa State College. "Research
and Social Progress."
2:00 P. M. General Session. Chair-
man: Herman Halperin, Chairman,
Civic Committee, Western Society
of Engineers.
(Sponsored and arranged by the
W.S.E.)
Subject: The Engineer in Civic Af-
fairs.
(Please turn to page 67)
CONFERENCE
MARCH, 1948
23
ALL NEW STUDENTS entering
i Illinois Institute of Technology
complete, as a part of their orienta-
tion test, the Kuder Preference Rec-
ord. This inventory is designed to
measure the vocational preferences
or interests of the individual, and to
furnish a ready and objective indica-
tion of the type of activity in which
he would probably achieve the great-
est satisfaction.
The Preference Record consists of
168 items, each of which presents
three kinds of activity. The individ-
ual marks the answer sheet in such a
way that he indicates the one which
he would most prefer, and the one he
would least prefer. An example of
the type of item 1 used is:
X. Visit- a museum of science
Y. Visit an advertising agency
Z. Visit a factory in which typewriters
are made
VOCATIONAL INTERE
or this:
G.
Test various brands of products for
a co-operative store to see which
are best
Take care of the bulletin boards in
a large business organization
Keep accounting machines in good
order
The response to any specific item
is of little importance. The inventory
is scored to reveal patterns of inter-
est built upon the cumulative an-
swers to all the items which fall in a
particular field. Interest is measured
in nine areas: mechanical, computa-
tional, scientific, persuasive, artistic,
literary, musical, social service, and
clerical. Here again, we are con-
cerned less with the score in any sin-
gle area than with the profile formed
by the pattern of scores in the nine
areas.
These areas are self-explanatory
with the exception, perhaps of per-
suasive and social service. The per-
suasive score is obtained from items
involving highly verbal, direct con-
tact with others, in such occupations
as salesman, actor, counselor, labor
leader, and the like. The social ser-
vice score is obtained from items
involving activities with others in a
service or therapeutic relationship, as
personnel director, clergyman, phy-
sician, Y.M.C.A. secretary, and other
use.
BOH.
SCI .
PES.
US.
LIT.
ma,
SOC.
DEE,
!\
y \
\
\
/
\
/
\
A
\
/ \
\
\
V
1
\
\
\ /
/
*--.
~V
V
s
- Ch
Bog
Og
* Director of the Institute tor Psychological
Services of Illinois Institute of Technology.
' Coovright, 1944, by G. F. Kuder, Quoted by
permission of Science Research Associates, pub-
Figure 1. Percentile rank of mean
Preference Record scores of 110
chemical engineering freshmen
and 61 architecture freshmen.
similar occupations. None of the
areas have any significant relation to
intelligence or other general or spe-
cific abilities.
These interest scores, along with
the various ability and aptitude test
scores, are furnished to each coun-
selor at Illinois Institute of Technol-
ogy, so that the freshman student has
an appraisal of his interests as well
as his ability. Thus, with the coun-
selor, he may plan his career more
wisely, selecting the curriculum to
which he appears best adapted.
Experience has indicated that
there are significant differences in
vocational interest between students
entering engineering studies and
those entering non-engineering stud-
ies. There are also significant dif-
ferences between students entering
different fields of specialization in
engineering. These differences are
important in the guidance of the stu-
dent, for it is a basic assumption in
the measurement of interests that
where ability, opportunity, and effort
are equal, the individual will achieve
the greatest satisfaction and success
EEC.
con.
SCI.
PER.
ART.
LIT.
WJS.
SOC.
CLE.
\
/
A
/
^
4
/
v l
A
■
v
'\
/ \
■
•
v
'\
-
/
V
\
-
V
V
"
Cbaml
Kaeha
cal E
nlcal
Engl
ng
Figure 2. Percentile rank of mean
Preference Record scores of 110
chemical engineering freshmen
and 252 mechanical engineering
freshmen.
24
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Fire Protection Engineers
by GEORGE S. SPEER
in the area where he has the greatest
interest.
In Figure 1 are shown the percen-
tile ranks of the mean scores obtained
by freshmen entering chemical engi-
neering and freshmen entering archi-
tecture. It is quite apparent that the
students in the two groups have
sharply differentiated interests. The
interest patterns of freshmen chemi-
cal engineers may be compared also
with the mechanical engineering
freshmen, as shown in Figure 2, and
the fire protection engineers as shown
HSC.
CO..
SCI.
PER.
ART.
LIT.
MUS.
SOC.
CLB.
\
/
■ /
\
/>
A
■
_ s
\*
h\
■
\
/
v
■
l
/
V
N
\ .
-
-
- Che
PI
Br
e Pr.
ginee
Engl
tectl
neer
ng
hec.
COM.
SCI.
FEB.
ART.
LIT.
BUS.
SOC.
CLE.
-
A
/ \
-
i \
- ^
^\
s\
\
\
S
V
■ I
V
h
s
-
-
V
--^\
-
"
\ "
-
V
-
-
F.P.E
P. P.P.
. Pro
*-
Figure 3. Percentile rank of mean
Preference Record scores of 110
chemical engineering freshmen
and 34 fire protection engineering
freshmen.
Figure 4. Percentile rank of mean
Preference Record scores of 34 fire
protection engineering freshmen
and 116 fire protection engineer-
ing alumni.
in Figure 3.
Our studies of over one thousand
freshmen at Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology indicate characteristic and
significant profiles for all of the vari-
ous groups. The fire protecting engi-
neering freshman, however, has a
profile which differs from that of
other groups primarily because there
is no area on which marked interest
is exhibited by the group. As Figure
3 shows, the profile for the fire pro-
tection engineering group is a rather
flat one, whereas other engineering
MEC.
COH.
SCI.
PER.
ART.
LIT.
MUS.
SOC.
CLE.
"
A
-
"
A
l\
A
-
" 1
Q
1 l
/
V
-
^ /
V
'N
"
-1
\i
V
' v -
'-
v
\ "
-
\ .
-
"
» In
-
—
F.P.E. »ork
Alumni not In
F.P.E. »ork.
Figure 5. Percentile rarks of mean
Preference Record scores of fire
protection engineering alumni
who continue and those who
change.
groups, and the non-engineering
groups such as architecture, have
definite peaks and valleys in the pro-
files which indicate strong and char-
acteristic interests.
A possible explanation of this lack
of a distinctive profile is that fire
protection engineering students are a
more heterogeneous group than stu-
dents in the other departments. That
is, the fire protection engineering
group may include students who are
attracted to the curriculum as a step
(Please turn to page 68)
MARCH, 1948
25
The plan for the Chicago Orchard (Douglas) Airport. An artist's sketch
of airport is shown on page 7.
the future of airports
(Continued from page 9)
of circulation for both passengers
and cargo becomes the major con-
sideration. It is further emphasized
when we realize that speed is the
greatest asset of air transportation
and that it can, to a large extent, be
minimized by excessive ground time.
Therefore, in the approach to air-
port terminal design, traffic engineer-
ing problems come first and must be
solved satisfactorily or other fine fea-
tures of the terminal will not develop
to the fullest extent.
You will notice in the illustration
showing the proposed scheme for the
passenger facilities at Douglas Air-
port that the total traffic is broken
down into five sub-terminals. This
design is the result of many studies
covering the range from maximum
decentralization to maximum con-
centration and represents a compro-
mise wherein maximum non-airline
revenue may be located reasonably
close to the operating sections of the
terminal.
It should be pointed out that the
ideal terminal from an operating
standpoint is not necessarily the
ideal solution because there must be
an integration of the operating units
of the terminal with the maximum
development of facilities of a non-
airline nature to serve the general
public in addition to patrons of the
airlines. Balance of these primary
functions of the building is necessary
and a sacrifice of one for the other
can result in an uneconomical solu-
tion. Generally speaking, maximum
.centralization places the greatest
handicap on airline operation and
maximum decentralization places a
handicap on facilities for non-airline
revenue.
The solution of the economic
problem under discussion deter-
mines to a great extent the kind of
facilities that may be created at a
given city. High unit building costs
and an attempt to extract high air-
line rentals will cause a contraction
of building plans to a point where
the ultimate objective is entirely
lost. Contrary to this extreme, maxi-
mum play for non-airline revenue
can create a carnival with air trans-
portation as a side show. Certainly
this would not be a desirable situa-
tion. There is a common sense, mid-
dle ground.
The kind of development that
takes place on a given airport is
largely dependent upon the airline
operating requirements and the re-
sources, both civic and industrial, of
the city itself. Certain airports
come maintenance bases for airl: ;s
and require large developments of
shops, hangars, administrative of-
fices, and so forth. Generally speak-
ing, these maintenance and overhaul
bases are located at the end of the
line, which permits flexibility in the
scheduling of aircraft and allows
maximum utilization of airpla -
payload time. The major mainte .
ance base of United Air Lines at San
Francisco carries out this thinking.
Airline service requirements at
airports fall into three categories:
(1) storage and minor service, (2)
service hangars which perform up to
major maintenance checks, and (3)
repair, overhaul and engine change.
Most airports served by commer-
cial airlines have hangars available
for minor repairs except for large
aircraft. In some cases, nose hangars,
wherein only the engines and the
nose of the ship are under cover, are
employed. To date, the principal
use of storage hangars has been to
perform minor repairs and irregular
maintenance on aircraft, particularly
to put an airplane under cover to
warm up the engines after a period
of idleness during schedule inter-
ruptions.
The second category involves
more elaborate servicing facilities
which will allow work on an airplane
while on jacks. This type of hangar
will be used for major maintenance
checks which are performed on all
aircraft on or before every 150 hours
in the air. In addition to the hang-
ars, approximately an equal amount
by area of shop and office space ii
necessary. These facilities are likelj
to be found at division points and
(Please turn to page 28)
26
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
TELEPHONY'S
SEVEN LEAGUE
BOOTS...
THIS tower reflects great strides in
communications. It's one of the seven
new radio relay towers that link New
York City and Boston.
This new path for Long Distance com-
munication uses microwaves . . . free
from static and most man-made inter-
ference. But, because microwaves shoot
off into space instead of hugging the
earth's curve, we've had to build relay
stations within line of sight to guide
the waves between the two cities. Atop
each tower, metal lenses gather these
waves and, after amplification, relay
them to the next tower. The lenses focus
and direct the radio waves like a search-
light beam.
This new system for transmitting Long
Distance telephone calls, radio and tele-
vision programs is but one phase in the
Bell System's program for improving
this country's communication service;
a never ending program of growth and
development in which many telephone
engineers will participate, and whose
careers will develop with it. There's a
future in telephony.
BELL TELEPHONE SYSTEM
A cut-away view of a typical radio
relay station. Emergency power equip-
ment and storage batteries are on the
first floor, radio equipment on the second
floor, and the special microwave anten-
nas which receive and beam the com-
munication signals are on the roof.
MARCH, 1948
27
(Continued from page 26)
intermediate stations where termi-
nating schedules occur. For instance,
it is advantageous to have complete
servicing facilities where an airline
desires to balance the utilization of
aircraft in either direction. If weather
interferes with scheduling, ships can
be serviced and dispatched in the
opposite direction. Such a major
service station for United Air Lines
is located at Chicago. It is an impor-
tant point on United's system be-
cause it permits flexibility in the
routing of aircraft to obtain maxi-
mum flying hours out of each plane.
The third category is the most
elaborate of all. In addition to
greater hangar requirements, what
amounts to an aircraft factory is
necessary. Here, after a normal en-
gine overhaul period, usually about
1,000 hours, the airplane is com-
pletely overhauled and, after process-
ing is, in effect, a new plane. United
has recently completed its new base
in San Francisco which is the most
modern maintenance base in the
world.
In addition to the airline servicing
requirements, airports must furnish
accommodations for other flying ac-
tivities. Fixed base operators pro-
vide a source of revenue where the
commercial air activity does not
command full utilization of the air-
port. Such activities as airplane
sales and service for private air-
planes, charter service, sight-seeing
local aircraft, aeronautical schools,
plane storage, plane rentals, fuel sale
and service may become integrated
into the overall aviation facilities.
As indicated above, extensive and
independent air freight terminals
will become necessary as this new
business develops. To date, much of
the air freight activity is conducted
at passenger stations because large
amounts of air freight are carried on
passenger planes. The economics of
the air freight business will preclude
the high cost of handling freight in
this manner and all air freight will
be handled in "flying boxcars". Only
mail, parcel post and express will be
carried on passenger planes; ho^
ever, even these will be carried in
bulk on Cargoliners.
The air freight terminal of the
future will center around a large
warehouse with covered docking fa-
cilities for aircraft on the field side
and covered docks for motor vehicles
opposite. The aircraft docks present
interesting engineering possibilities
for the maximum in mechanical
handling of goods to speed up the
operation and minimize man power
necessary to perform the job. It is
not possible to reduce rates to a
point where real volume will devel-
op unless these facilities are engi-
neered to do the job with maximum
efficiency and economy. The busi-
ness has come so fast that it has
caught the industry without the nec-
essary facilities to handle the vol-
ume.
Under the circumstances, a com-
mendable job is being done. The po-
tential of this business is enormous,
and, in the opinion of the writer,
if properly planned for on our air-
ports, can develop into the major
revenue of the commercial airlines
just as the history of railroad trans-
portation records the progression of
the freight business.
Now just a word about manage-
ment. Most airports are municipally
owned and operated. A few, such as
New York, Seattle and Portland are
authority operated. Still fewer com-
mercial airports are operated by pri-
vate enterprise. A fourth possibility
exists which would permit terminal
corporations, either operated by the
airlines collectively or by a corpora-
tion set up to do this particular job,
to manage and operate in behalf of
the owners.
Wherever sound management fol-
lowing accepted business principles
is established, who operates it is not
important. The really important ob-
jective is to get good, efficient busi-
ness-like management free from po-
litical influence and endowed with
an enterprising spirit to promote
new activities, new sources of reve-
nue and to coordinate all of the ser-
vices provided by the airport so that
each may perform its job without
undue interference from the others.
Management should always consider
paramount the interests of the public
which is paying the bill and make it
easy for it to use the airport without
great inconvenience.
Major improvements, such as dis-
cussed here, take much time. Many
interests must be brought together
into agreement in the planning
stages, and once an agreement is
reached, a long period of construc-
tion is necessary. During this period,
interruptions to normal business are
unavoidable. The airports of the fu-
ture are still on the drafting boards
and we cannot expect adequacy for
several years. The ground planners
can gain much if they will take on
the spirit of the aeronautical engi-
neers who have brought the progress
of aviation to its present high stand-
ard. We must bring the ground plant
up to this standard and into better
balance in the forward-march of the
entire industry.
Contributors . . .
(Continued from page 4)
joined the Illinois Tech faculty in
1937. During the recent war, Dr.
Larkin served as a special mediation
representative of the national War
Labor Board and as vice-chairman
of the Sixth Regional War Labor
Board.
George S. Speer has been director
of the Institute for Psychological
Services of Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology since September, 1945. He
received his bachelor's degree at
Central Y.M.C.A. College and his
master's at the University of Chi-
cago. He served as research assistant
for Mooseheart Laboratory for Child
Research in 1935, as psychologist
for the Child Guidance Clinic from
1937 to 1940, and as professor of
psychology, dean of students, and
director of the Institute of Guidance
at Central YMCA College from 1940
to 1945.
28
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Kodak
Because
photography
lasts . . .
Jbor 48 years photography has preserved this passing scene . . .
Yet today, as a record, it's as complete and accurate as ever.
Photography lasts . . . and because it lasts, has great usefulness to
business, industry, and the professions:
Demonstrate a product, tell a sales story, in motion pictures — its
appeal and showmanship stay fresh, its delivery always "letter perfect."
Reproduce a blueprint, a specification sheet, a production chart on
Kodagraph Paper— its definition stays crisp, its usefulness is prolonged.
Photograph an accident scene, an operation, a construction project —
eveiy detail remains accurately, lastingly fixed.
File contracts, correspondence, cancelled checks on Recordak microfilm -
they "stay put" in fixed order, and cannot be altered without detection.
All this you can bring about because photography lasts. Because it
does . . . because of its other useful characteristics . . . you can do even
more. For examples, write for "Functional Photography." It's free.
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, N. Y.
Theodore Roosevelt on tour during the 1900 Presidential campaign.
Functional Photography
is advancing business and industrial technics
Trends in Industrial Research
(Continued from page 12)
tive research developments increases
as the scientific frontiers are rolled
back. In spite of increasing costs, in-
dustry is well aware of the benefits
of research and, to an increasing ex-
tent, considers its research expendi-
tures as a vital and necessary invest-
ment in future security.
Only a few examples of returns on
research investment, as reported by
industry, are needed to illustrate the
recognition given to results of scien-
tific research:
A major oil company reports a
return of S 15,400 to its stockholders
for every S1000 invested in research
over a 10-year period.
A pharmaceutical company, re-
viewing its records of research in-
vestment for the past 20 years, finds
a return of 100% on research in-
vestment.
One-third to one-half of the prod-
ucts of one of the largest electrical
manufacturers had their beginning in
the research laboratory.
A large chemical company states
that 30% of its sales are of products
developed through research since
1936.
An industrial machinery corpora-
tion reports a tenfold sales increase
since 1937 and credits 80% of the
increase to new products.
Surveys have indicated than 50%
of the total employment in the
United States is based on products
coming from the research labora-
tories — thus one research man has
created employment for almost 200
persons.
Numerous corporations are build-
ing new research laboratories to ex-
tend present facilities or to replace
obsolete facilities. It has been esti-
mated that more than 200 new lab-
oratories were constructed between
partners in creating
For 80 years, leaders of the engineering profession
have made K & E products their partners in creating
the technical achievements of our age. K & E instru-
ments, drafting equipment and materials— such as the
LEROYt Lettering equipment in the picture— have thus
played a part in virtually every great engineering
project in America.
KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.
NEW YORK • HOBOKEN, N. J.
Chicago • St. Louis • Detroit
San Francisco • Los Angeles • Montreal
tReg. U.S. Pat. Off.
1940 and 1946. In the reference
cited above to Barron's Weekly,
Bleiberg points out that almost a
dozen multi-million dollar projects
have been built or are in the plan-
ning stage.
Firestone Tire and Rubber Com-
pany built and put into operation in
1945 a S2 million laboratory. Radio
Corporation of America will double
its existing laboratories at Princeton,
N. J. General Electric Company has
announced a S10 million project for
electronics laboratories. General
Motors Corporation is planning a
research and technical center, esti-
mated to cost more than $20 million
and intended to bring together the
product research and experimental
facilities of the company. Standard
Oil Company (Indiana) plans to
construct a large and modern labora-
tory near Chicago.
H. K. Ferguson Company has de-
signed and built three major research
laboratories during the year: Allied
Chemical and Dye Corporation at
Morristown, N. J., to centralize that
firm's research activities; Bristol Lab-
oratories at Syracuse, N. Y., for the
production of penicillin and the study
of new anti-biotics; Parke-Davis and
Company at Detroit, Mich., for the
production of streptomycin and the
study of new anti-biotics.
Scientists and researchers in the
field of anti-biotics are sure that they
have only touched the surface and
that penicillin and streptomycin are
merely spearheads in the fight against
disease. Bristol points out, in its an-
nouncement of the new laboratory, a
policy common to many progressive
organizations: long-range planning
and facilities to enable a firm to capi-
talize on discoveries made in the re-
search department. Lack of facilities
undoubtedly would be more costly in
the long run than present high build-
ing costs in terms of a competitive
position in their industry.
The Johns-Manville Corporation,
on October 16, 1947, unveiled the
first big laboratory and pilot plant
and laid the cornerstone of the sec-
ond unit of a new research center
group. Located on a 93-acre tract
(Please turn to page 32)
30
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
22 MILLION VOLT X-RAYS..
INVESTIGATE
ALLIS- CHALMERS
ONE OF THE BIG 3 IN ELECTRIC POWER EQUIPMENT
BIGGEST OF ALL IN RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS!
Write for Book No. 6085,
outlining A-C's Graduate
Training Course.
Allis-Chahnera Mfg. Co.,
Milwaukee 1, Wisconsin
MARCH, 1948
31
rj*ovicfiitg H/a/Aing &af\efu
WITH ARRACIVES/
SCHOOLS
COLLEGES
STORES
RESTAURANTS
OFFICE
BUILDINGS
INDUSTRIAL
PLANTS
NORTON FLOORS are
Non-slip. . . Wet or Dry
I HE same characteristics of hardness and toughneM
which make Alundum abrasive so useful in grinding wheels,
also give it valuable properties as a wear-resistant and
non-slip flooring material.
Alundum Stair and Floor Tiles, for example, provide a
flat, smooth surface that is non-slip even when wet. And
they will not wear slippery from foot traffic. There are
also Alundum Mosaics for use where small tiles are desired
and Alundum Aggregates to add safety and durability to
terrano and cement floors and stairs.
You will find NORTON FLOORS providing safe walk-
ways in thousands of buildings the country over including
many in leading colleges. Catalog 1935-CP gives the
full story including siies and colors.
NORTON FLOORS are just another evidence of Norton
leadership and ingenuity in the field of abrasives.
NORTON COMPANY, WORCESTER 6, MASS.
Sehr-Manning, Troy, N. Y., is a Norton Division
<=
NORTON
"t*
ABRASIVES — GRINDING WHEELS — GRINDING AND LAPPING MACHINES
REFRACTORIES — POROUS MEDIUMS — NON-SLIP FLOORS — NORBIDE PRODUCTS
LABELING MACHINES (IE H R-MAN N IN G DIVISION : COATED AIRASIVES AN D SHARPENI NG STONES)
(Continued from page 30)
forty miles from New York City, this
group will ultimately include five or
six units providing 337,000 square
feet of laboratory space. Modular
design gives an assembly of standard
work space units for maximum flexi-
bility. This laboratory center is said
to be the largest in the world devoted
to building materials, insulations, and
allied industrial products.
Merck and Company has consid-
ered research a most essential part of
its activities. In 1933 the company
completed its first building devoted
exclusively to this function. Labora-
tories now occupy almost 100,000
square feet of space in five modern
buildings. Work was started in 1946
on a large new addition to the lab-
oratories, which probably will be oc-
cupied in 1948. Emphasizing a trend
in new laboratory construction, the
building will be extremely flexible,
with the basic unit a small, complete
laboratory that has all necessary ser-
vices. All partitions, except exterior
and corridor walls, will be easily mov-
able panels permitting the grouping
of a number of units to form a labora-
tory of almost any size and shape.
The laboratory staff now numbers
510 persons, with a technical staff
of 250. Research expenditures were
$3,438,279 in 1945 and $3,216,845
in 1946, close to six per cent of the
sales dollar.
Greatly increased research activ-
ity by trade associations and organi-
zations also demonstrates the growth
of industrial research by all compa-
nies, both large and small. More than
125 associations were conducting re-
search for their member companies
before the war, and that number has
steadily increased.
A pending publication of the De-
partment of Commerce"' summarizes
work done by trade associations in
their laboratories and in those of con-
sulting, independent, nonprofit and
university organizations. Associa-
tions such as the American Institute
of Laundering and the Structural
Clay Products Institute are consider-
ing substantial increases in their re-
(Please turn to page 34)
.32
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Research simplifies print making
with development of "Varigam" Paper
Chemists and physicists make
important contributions
Photographic film that has been over-
exposed or overdeveloped usually means
a "hard" or "contrasty" negative — too
much silver is deposited on the high-
lights in comparison with that in the
shadows. The opposite effect, a "soft"
or "thin" negative, results from under-
exposure or underdevelopment. At one
time photographers had to stock four or
five grades of enlarging paper to correct
for these conditions and get the right
degree of contrast.
To eliminate this expensive, unwieldy
situation, scientists developed "Vari-
gam" variable contrast photographic
paper. With "Varigam," the whole
procedure of getting different degrees
of contrast is reversed. Instead of using
several grades of paper, the photog-
rapher uses only one. He gets variation
in contrast by use of filters that control
the wave lengths of light reaching the
paper, thereby getting finer degrees of
contrast than are otherwise possible.
The action of "Varigam" depends
on the ability of certain dyes to extend
the sensitivity of silver halide emulsions
beyond the blue and blue-green regions.
This effect was well known to scientists.
But "Varigam" has an added feature
— it gives high contrast in the blue por-
tion of the spectrum and is also sensi-
tive to light in the green region, with
low contrast.
"Varigam" the work of many men
The first job was one for the physical
chemists. Silver halide emulsions, nor-
mally sensitive to blue light, had to be
made to give maximum contrast when
exposed to light in this region.
It was known that certain dyes would
extend the sensitivity of the emulsion
over as far as the infra-red. But they
were not practical for photographic pa-
per, being affected by the red safety
light used in the darkroom. Research by
chemists showed that certain dyes such
as l:l'-diethylthiopseudocyanine iodide
extended the light sensitivity only to
the green region. And, most important,
they produced low contrast when used
in lower-than-normal concentrations.
When such a dye was combined with
high-contrast silver halide emulsion,
the result was an emulsion that gave
high-contrast prints when exposed to
blue light, and low-contrast prints when
exposed to green light.
Physicists Develop Filters
Physicists made this contrast control a
reality by preparing sharp-cutting fil-
ters that allow the user to control his
printing light selectively. These filters.
which are attached to the iens of the en-
larger, range from blue for high con-
trast to yellow, which cuts out the blue
almost entirely and gives low contrast.
In between are eight grades of filters
with intermediate degrees of blue and
yellow light transmission. All of the fil-
ters are made in such a way that neither
light nor printing time needs to be
varied as filters are changed, except the
last two on the blue end. These require
approximately twice the time of the
others.
In "Varigam," made by Du Pont,
chemical science has given the photog-
rapher new economy and convenience
in printing, and a degree of contrast
control more precise than is possible
with any combination of commercial
papers.
Questions College Men ask
about working with Du Pont
What types of training are needed?
The majority of openings for college graduates at
Du Pont are in technical work and are usually in
chemical, physical, or biological research; chemi-
cal, mechanical, civil, electrical, or industrial
engineering. Openings are available from time to
time in other fields, including architecture, ceram-
ics, metallurgy, mining, petroleum and textile
engineering, geology, mathematics, accounting,
law, economics, and journalism. Write for booklet.
"The Du Pont Company and the College Gradu-
ate," 2521-C Nemours Building, Wilmington 98.
BETTER THINGS FOR BETTER LIVING
...THROUGH CHEMISTRY
More facts about Du Pont — Listen to "Cavalcade
of America," Mondays, 8 P.M., EST on NBC
Normal print (center) can be obtained from either a "soft" negative (left) or a "hard'
negative (right), using "Varigam" variable contrast paper.
MARCH, 1948
33
(Continued horn page 32)
search programs. Well-established
research activities, such as those
maintained by the Lithographic
Technical Foundation, recently have
been revitalized and expanded. The
Commerce Department report states
that at least 35 trade associations
now maintain or operate their own
laboratories, and these laboratories
employ 800 to 1000 personnel, ex-
clusive of fruit grower and processing
groups. Among the larger labora-
tories are:
National Board of Fire Under-
writers, 171 persons; American Gas
Association, 120 persons; National
Canners Association, 44 persons;
Portland Cement Association, 37 per-
sons; American Meat Institute, 31
persons: American Institute of Laun-
dering, 30 persons, and Tanners'
Council Laboratories, 25 persons.
Many associations use government
laboratories, such as the Bureau of
Standards and the Forest Products
Laboratory, university laboratories,
or non-profit research institute lab-
oratories.
Much of the research done by
trade associations is for small com-
panies, although association activity
is by no means confined to the small-
er industrial organizations. Small
companies are becoming increasingly
conscious of their dependence on re-
search to maintain their competitive
position within an industry and to
meet the technical developments
made by competitive industries
which can, and frequently do, threat-
en an entire industry with obsolesc-
ence and decay.
The National Research Council in
1940 surveyed 50 small companies
having assets ranging from 5150,000
to $2,500,000. Twelve companies
stated "if they should immediately
cease all forms of organized fact-
finding in which they are now en-
gaged, they would be forced out of
business within a year". Six stated
they would be liquidated in three
years and 17 would at once experi-
ence a serious loss of competitive po-
sition.
Contrary to the pattern estab-
lished in England where trade asso-
ciation research is substantially
subsidized by the government and
where association research forms a
major part of research activity by
industry, the United States govern-
ment has assisted association re-
search to a very limited extent. Re-
cently, however, there has been a
decided tendency on the part of gov-
ernment to assume a much greater
role in financing and organizing as-
sociation research. This tendency,
supported in some quarters, has been
vigorously opposed by a part of in-
dustry for reasons of patent policies,
paternalism, alleged inefficiency of
government supervision, etc.
Scientific and industrial research
by industry, both large and small
companies, is definitely on the as-
cendency. It is rapidly being recog-
nized generally as a necessary part
of business operation, and it is assum-
ing an ever expanding position as a
part of the corporate structure.
Research In Colleges
And Universities
Today, as has always been the
case, the basic source of progress in
fundamental science resides in the
laboratories of colleges and universi-
ties. Pushing back the barriers that
cloak and obscure the trails of scien-
tific advancement is, and should be,
the main consideration of research in
the university graduate schools.
To a considerable extent, our
sources of basic scientific knowledge
were in Europe prior to the last war,
although several colleges and univer-
sities in this country had made not-
able contributions. The drying-up of
foreign sources of fundamental sci-
entific work, the drain on the stock-
piles of scientific knowledge acceler-
ated by wartime applied research,
and the increased pressure for push-
ing back the frontiers of knowledge
to provide basic information for post-
war developments — all have greatly
increased the demand for fundamen-
tal scientfic activity in university lab-
oratories.
The increased demand for scien-
tific research by the universities has
come at a time when increased stu-
dent enrollments have taxed the
teaching staffs to such an extent that
little time is left for research inves-
tigations. Funds from endowments
are less plentiful because of lowering
interest rates. And it is exceedingly
difficult to attract and maintain an
adequate staff because of the short-
age of qualified scientists and the
higher salaries offered by industry.
Universities have been quick to
recognize the need for further basic
scientific research and to meet the
challenge of difficult postwar condi-
tions. Most educators and research
men feel, however, that financial as-
sistance from industry and govern-
ment is urgently needed if their obli-
gations can be met. They emphasize
that financial assistance must be
given without restraints as to publi-
cation and patent protection or su-
pervision if research in fundamental
science is to be effective.
Industry is recognizing to a greater
extent its obligation to finance scien-
tific training and basic research, as
evidenced by the increased number
of industrially-sponsored fellowships
and grants. Research fellowships and
scholarships supported by industry
now total 1800, compared with a
total of 90 during 1929. The number
of firms supporting such grants has
grown from 56 to 302, and a number
of other companies report their in-
tention to provide such support and
assistance as soon as facilities and
personnel are available.
The federal government also rec-
ognizes its responsibility to give ad-
dional assistance to the universities.
Although the legislation for a Na-
tional Science Foundation, as passed
by a large majority of the 80th Con-
gress, was vetoed by the President,
Congress seems to be united in feel-
ing that financial assistance must be
given for scientific training and re-
search. It appears probable that as-
sistance in some form will receive the
early attention of Congress.
Several governmental agencies
have placed research contracts with
colleges and universities. The major-
ity of such contracts have not con-
tributed greatly to the furtherance of
(Please turn to page 36)
34
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
GRINNELL PROTECTION COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS
YOUR PLANT IS BURNED and you must justify yourself before
your Board of Directors ... it is your word against the facts.
this be your defense?
YOU: "Gentlemen, I wish to assure
you I did everything I knew to protect
our property and investment. I could
not forsee a situation like this. ..it looks
like carelessness with a cigarette."
THE FACTS: It is a well-known and
established fact that everyone who
is human is careless at times. Antici-
pating carelessness is part of man-
agement's responsibility.
YOU: "Our buildings were all of fire-
proof construction . . ."
THE FACTS: But stored materials are
seldom fireproof. All too often a fire-
proof building may merely serve as a
stove for blazing contents.
YOU: "/ saw to it that we were covered
ENGINEERING GRADUATES
by insurance. Of course it is not ade-
quate for rebuilding at today's prices.
We'll need capital — a lot of capital
— IF we rebuild."
THE FACTS: That property cannot
be replaced for its insurance value
today is but one of five sad after-
maths of fire. The other four, as
managers of fire-gutted plants will
attest, are: (2) An indemnity check
never buys back a lost customer. (3)
Burned-out records are lost forever.
(4) Employees wander away. (5)
Two out of five burned-out busi-
nesses never resume operation.
There is no sure way to prevent
fire. But there is one sure way to
stop fire immediately, automatically,
wherever and whenever it strikes . . .
HAVE FOUND ATTRACTIVE OP
Grinnell Protection by automatic
sprinklers. Any competent fire chief
will tell you that it is the surest
way. On top of that, it usually pays
for itself in reduced insurance pre-
miums in a few years. So, if you're
insured, you're paying for Grinnell
Protection .... Why not hare it?
Grinnell Company, Inc. Providence 1 ,
R.I. Branch Offices in Principal Cities
GR
Automatic Sprinkler and Special Hazard
Fire Protection Systems
PORTUNITIES WITH GRINNELL
MARCH, 1948
35
(Continued from page 34)
basic research, but have been direct-
ed toward the application of existing
scientific knowledge. An outstanding
exception has been the Office of Na-
val Research, which has maintained
a broad program of basic research in
the physical sciences and in medi-
cine. Approximately 80% of this
program is conducted by the colleges
and universities, and about $50 mil-
lion will have been obligated by the
end of this year.
The universities have gone from a
wartime total of about S20 million
annually to a present rate of annual
research expenditure of about $80
million. Some 300 or more universi-
ties are now engaged in either basic
or applied research. More than 75
members of the Engineering College
Research Council offer to accept
projects from industrial sponsors.
The Council's 1947 directory lists
facilities, major fields of investiga-
tion, and volume of sponsored re-
search of the leading engineering
educational institutions.
Peabody has spent three generations
in building a high degree of skill in
the business of mining, refining and
distributing coal. This ability is ac-
companied by ample mining machin-
ery for efficient production as well
as preparation equipment that makes
scientific use of advanced methods.
With mines in Illinois, East Ken-
tucky and West Virginia ... and sales
agencies in other coal fields - Peabody
is serving virtually everv type of
consumer.
IN ITS 64 th YEAR
PEABODY COAL COMPANY
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago 4, Illinois
c5^£> C^&w SPRINGFIELD . ST. LOUIS . OMAHA
MINNEAPOLIS . CINCINNATI . NEW YORK ■ PHILADELPHIA
GOOD COAL
Several colleges, universities, and
technological institutes have estab-
lished research foundations or insti-
tutes. Some of these organizations
are integral parts of the educational
institution; some are closely affili-
ated with it, but exist as separate
corporations; and others are inde-
pendent, non-profit corporations with
a more-or-less close affiliation. Con-
tractual relations, patent policies,
publication policies, and charges for
industrially sponsored projects vary
widely between organizations. It is
evident that economic pressure has
been a dominant factor in causing
many universities to seek applied
research projects supported by in-
dustry.
Many individual scientists, re-
search leaders, and educators have
pointed out that investigations in the
field of applied research do not often
contribute substantially to the pri-
mary university functions of scien-
tific education, graduate study, and
basic research. When industry sup-
ports basic research, the effect upon
the university is a salutory one, ac-
cording to David Gordon of David
Gordon and Company. Dr. Jacques
Errera, speaking at a recent meeting
of consulting chemists and engineers,
cautioned that the role of the univer-
sity is two-fold: First, it must edu-
cate; it must supply the bachelors,
masters, and doctors who will carry
on the nation's research and develop-
ment program; this activity must be
self-supporting on a high level; for
this support, it must look to both pri-
vate and public funds. Second: he
continues, the research function must
involve basic research.
Certainly there is a trend toward
increased scientific activity in the
universities and colleges: increased
college enrollments at all levels in
scientific education; additional em-
phasis on graduate research and basic
scientific research; and increased de-
sire on the part of the colleges to
seek industrially sponsored research,
a part of which will contribute to the
primary functions of scientific edu-
cation and research.
i Next month, the author will review the trends
in public service research organizations, govern-
ment in research, research in the international
field, management of research, and research in
36
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Successful telecasts of surgical operations show value of television to medical education.
'Step up beside the surgeon -and watch'
Not long ago, a radio beam flashed
across the New York sky— and "car-
ried" more than 7000 surgeons into
a small operating room . . .
Impossible? It was done by television,
when RCA demonstrated — to a congress
of surgeons — how effective this medium
can be in teaching surgery.
In a New York hospital, above an op-
erating table, a supersensitive RCA Image
Orthicon television camera televised a series
of operations. Lighting was normal. Images
were transmitted on a narrow, line-of-sight
beam ... As the pictures were seen the
operating surgeons were heard explaining
their techniques . . .
Said a prominent surgeon: "Television
as a way of teaching surgery surpasses
anything we have ever had ... I never
imagined it could be so effective until I
actually saw it ... "
Use of television in many fields— and sur-
gical education is only one — grows naturally
from advanced scientific thinking at RCA
Laboratories. Progressive research is part of
every instrument bearing the names RCA or
RCA Victor.
When in Radio City, New York, be sure
to see the radio and electronic wonders on
display at RCA Exhibition Hall, 36 West
49th Street. Free admission to all. Radio
Corporation of America, RCA Ruilding, New
York 20, N. Y.
Continue your education
with pay — at RCA
Graduate Electrical Engineers: RCA
Victor— one of the world's foremost manu-
facturers of radio and electronic products
— offers you opportunity to gain valuable,
well-rounded training and experience at
a good salary with opportunities for ad-
vancement. Here are only five of the many
projects which offer unusual promise:
• Development and design of radio re-
ceivers ( including broadcast, short wave
and FM circuits, television, and phono-
graph combinations).
• Advanced development and design of
AM and FM broadcast transmitters, R-F
induction heating, mobile communications
equipment, relay systems.
• Design of component parts such as
coils, loudspeakers, capacitors.
• Development and design of new re-
cording and reproducing methods.
• Design of receiving, power, cathode
ray, gas and photo tubes.
Write today to National Recruiting Divi-
sion, RCA Victor, Camden, New Jersey.
Also many opportunities for Mechanical
and Chemical Engineers and Physicists.
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
MARCH, 1948
37
. Research in Geometry
(Continued from page 14)
chophysics (e.g., to the geometry of
our skin sensations derived from ex-
periments on thresholds of sensa-
tion). Moreover, general geometries
of the small might find applications
to molecular physics as general ge-
ometries of the large were applied to
cosmology.
II. Finite Planes And
Agriculture
Another study that started as a
highly theoretical activity is the con-
struction of finite models for compli-
cated mathematical systems. Such a
model for arithmetic is known to
everybody: the arithmetic of the
clock. This miniature arithmetic has
only twelve objects which every
school child adds together and sub-
tracts from each other in a perfectly
consistent way. For instance, in this
arithmetic 11 + 4 = 3 because 4
hours after 1 1 o'clock it is 3 o'clock.
Even multiplication can be defined
for the 12 numbers of the clock arith-
metic although in practical life we
have no occasion to go beyond addi-
tion and subtraction.
In clarifying the foundations of
geometry at the turn of the century,
Fano and Veblen introduced minia-
ture planes, namely: finite systems
of points and lines which may be
considered as models of plane geom-
etry in the same sense as the 12
numbers on the clock form a model
of arithmetic. With regard to plane
affine geometry, that is, that part of
plane euclidean geometry which is
independent of the concepts of per-
pendicularity and congruency, the
question arose as to whether one
could find finite systems of points
and lines satisfying the following
postulates :
1. Through two distinct points
there is exactly one line.
2. To a given line 1, through a
given point P (not on 1) there is
exactly one line that has no common
point with 1 (Euclid's parallel postu-
late).
3. On each line there exists at
least one point. (From the other
postulates it readily follows that on
each line there exist at least two
points.)
4. There exist three points that
are not on a line.
The answer to this question is
affirmative. The simplest example
consists of four points,
P, Q, R, S,
and six lines each containing two
points, namely:
(PQ), (PR), (PS),
(QR), (QS), (RS).
It is not possible to find examples
with more than 4 and less than 9
points but there is an example of a
finite plane containing 9 points and
12 lines. One way of describing this
(Please turn to page 40)
Marsh & McLennan
INCORPORATED
Insurance Brokers
AND AVERAGE ADJUSTERS
164 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD • CHICAGO
CHICAGO
WASHINGTON
BUFFALO
MILWAUKEE
LOS ANGELES
VANCOUVER
NEW YORK
PITTSBURGH
CLEVELAND
DULUTH
PHOENIX
MONTREAL
SAN FRANCISCO
MINNEAPOLIS
COLUMBUS
ST. PAUL
SEATTLE
HAVANA
DETROIT
BOSTON-
INDIANAPOLIS
ST. LOUIS
PORTLAND
LONDON
38
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
The man who cooled
a mi//ion hotheads
/fome women can fix anything
«J with a bent hairpin. But it
took a man to solve a problem that
/iad stumped the hairpin experts
for generations.
He solved the irritating problem
of opening and shutting stubborn
windows without benefit of crow-
bars, by means of an ingenious,
automatic sash-balance, which
enables you to perform that opera-
tion with one finger.
The principal member of this
new temper-saver is a length of
high carbon, sash-balance spring
steel made by Roebling.The manu-
facturers have such confidence in
this Roebling product that they
guarantee their sash balance for
the entire life of the building in
which it is installed.
Roebling flat spring steel is one
of the most widely used of the
hundreds of Roebling products,
yet it is the least known. Few men
think of umbrella stays, clock
springs, feeler gauges, measuring
rules and tapes, and thousands of
other articles, in terms of flat
spring steel.
On the other hand, when enter-
prising inventors create knotty
design problems, when competition
dictates re-design of a product in
order to lower costs, engineers
invariably look to these Roebling
products for at least part of the
solution.
Born of free enterprise . . . the
system that creates demands for
thousands of articles that are un-
known to the citizens of other
countries . . . flat wire and flat
spring steel point the way to other
undreamt of developments and
markets.
Roebling flat wire and spring
steel have earned the confidence of
designers and engineers throughout
industry . . . the world over.
JOHN A. ROEBLING'S SONS COMPANY
TRENTON 2. NEW JERSEY
Branches and Warehouse; in Principal Cities
A CENTURY OF CONFIDENCE
ROEBLING
MARCH, 1948
39
Automotive
BORG & BECK
DIVISION OF BORG-WARNER CORP.
Manufacturers
of
Automotive Clutches
6558 S. Menard Ave. Chicago, III.
Building Construction
T.lfphon. N.T.d. 6020
S. N. NIELSEN
EDMPANY
•
BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
CHICAGO
Contractors
E. H. MARHOEFER, JR. CO.
• CONTRACTORS
MERCHANDISE MART • CHICAGO
Electrical Equipment
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS
INCORPORATED
DESIGNERS and MANUFACTURERS of
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS AND
SPECIALTIES
201 5 NORTH KOLMAR AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILL
Telephone BELmont 3360
(Continued from page 38)
example is the following "Greco-
Latin square"
A oc B/J Cy
Cfi Ay B cc
By C cc Ap
where each of the nine pairs of let-
ters represents a point, having the
Latin letter as abscissa and the
Greek letter as ordinate ; . There are
three "vertical" lines each joining
three points in a column of the above
scheme, and three "horizontal" lines
each joining the three points of a
row of the above scheme. Besides
there is an A-line consisting of the
three points, A cc , Ay, A/3 with the
abscissa A. Similarly there are a B-
line and a C-line. Finally there is an
cc -line consisting the three points
A oc , C oc ! B oc with the ordinate oc .
Similarly there are a /i-line and a
y-line. One could easily verify that
this system of nine points and twelve
lines satisfies the postulates 1, 2, 3,
and 4 mentioned above and thus
constitutes an affine plane. As an
example, we determine the line
through the point By which is par-
allel to the line joining the points
Bji and Aji. The latter line is the
/i-line containing Cji, Bf3, A/3. As one
readily verifies, there is exactly one
line containing the points By and
not intersecting /i-line, namely, the
y-line containing By, Ay, Cy.
The next larger model consists of
16 points and 20 lines; then comes
a model with 25 points and 31 lines.
Two thoughts are bound to occur
to the practical man: "Obviously, for
every number n, there exists an af-
fine plane containing n 2 points. But
what a useless endeavor to set them
up, enumerate them, and classify
them."
First of all, the matter is consider-
ably less simple than it appears to
be at first glance. For instance, it is
not true that for every n there exists
an affine plane containing n- points.
There are such planes provided that
n is a power of a prime number such
as 2, 3, 4 = 2-, 5, 7, 8 = 2 \ 9, = 3-,
8 The terms abscissa and ordinate here are not
:oincidental. Each tinite model of an affine plane
:an be introduced as an analytic geometry in
rhich the coordinates range over a miniature
irithmetic I related to that of the clock) instead
if ranging over the totality of all real number
is they do in the analytic geometry of our normal
:uclidean plane.
11, etc. But it follows from a note by
F. H. Safford in the American Math-
ematical Monthly in 1907, that there
does not exist an affine plane for
n = 6, that is, an affine plane with
36 points.
Secondly, while for almost half a
century these finite planes were in-
deed merely of intellectual interest,
modern statistics has changed the
situation. Finite affine planes have
found extensive use in the design of
experiments, especially agricultural
experiments. For instance, if we wish
to try out three kinds of fertilizers
A, B, C and three kinds of seeds or,
/?, y, the best procedure is to divide
the rectangular field on which we
experiment into 9 equal rectangular
parts and try on each ninth a com-
bination of one fertilizer and one
kind of seed according to the "Greco-
Latin Square" which we mentioned
as a finite model for an affine plane.
One advantage of the above
Greco-Roman arrangement as com-
pared, say, to the arrangement
A oc B/i Cy
A/1 By C cc
Ay Bo: C(i
is obvious. If the soil on the field
on which we experiment should get
more fertile as we move to the right,
then in the latter arrangement an
inferior fertilizer C might produce
better results. In the Greco-Roman
Square each fertilizer is applied once
in each row and once in each column
whereby the effects of vertical and
horizontal fertility gradients of the
soil are eliminated.
But there are several other ap-
plications of the Greco-Roman
Square, in particular, if we wish to
test combinations of four different
types of treatments, each type repre-
sented by three variants. In fact, it
was statisticians who introduced the
Greco-Roman symbols for the finite
affine planes. In 1932, Fisher and
Yates rediscovered the impossibility
of an affine plane with six points on
each line. In India, one of the main
centers of modern statistics, a recent
publication was devoted to finite
geometries.
In concluding, we remark that
(Please turn to page 42)
40
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
To be patentable, a technical contribu-
tion must be both new and useful. At
Standard Oil (Indiana) there exists a
stimulating atmosphere in which our tech-
nical men continuously contribute to
progress with new, useful inventions.
The work of all our research men is re-
viewed by trained patent advisors. When
a researcher conceives a new solution to a
problem, he is encouraged to submit it in
the form of a disclosure. A careful search
is made on his behalf by Standard Oil
HOW TO GET
A PATENT
library research experts and patent attor-
neys. Their findings and the results of
laboratory tests go with the disclosure to
an application committee. On the aver-
age, one patent application is filed for
every seven disclosures submitted.
This procedure gets results for Stand-
ard Oil and Standard men. We believe it
compares most favorably with the patent
practices of other industries — and few in-
deed can match Standard's record for
technological progress.
Standard Oil Company
910 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
(standard)
^^■JP ^!'|iH;|i]
MARCH, 1948
(Continued horn page 40)
statisticians have also made use of
finite models for geometries which
differ from Euclid's, in particular for
projective geometry. A projective
plane can be obtained by adjoining
to an affine plane one line ("line of
infinity") and its points ("points of
infinity"). In a projective plane
every two lines intersect and thus
no parallel lines exist. While there
exist finite projective planes (in fact,
the first finite models of Fano and
Veblen were for projective planes)
it has been recently proved by col-
laborators of the writer that there
are no finite Bolyai-Lobachevsky
planes except planes in which each
line contains only two points. For
the visible space there are no finite
models whatever 4 . On the other
hand, we may mention finite models
for analysis which we recently con-
structed; that is, finite systems of
entities behaving like functions in
that they can not only be added and
multiplied but also substituted into
each other according to the laws
of what we call "Algebra of Analysis."
III. Networks And Topology
An example of applied mathe-
matics which later gained consider-
able theoretical significance is the
theory of electrical networks de-
veloped by Kirchhoff in 1847. The
question of interest to the physicist
was this: Suppose that a finite num-
ber, cc u of branches are somehow
connected in oc nodes so as to form
a network. Each branch contains a
known resistance and a known
source of e.m.f. What will be the cur-
rents in the cc j branches?
Kirchhoff's two famous laws about
currents supplied him with linear
equations for the oc , unknown cur-
rents of the network, one equation
corresponding with each of the cc
nodes, and one equation correspond-
ing with each circuit of the network.
Kirchhoff readily proved that while
the cc node-equations were depend-
ent, any cc — 1 of them were inde-
pendent. Much more complicated is
the problem of setting up the maxi-
mum number of independent circuit-
equations.
Kirchhoff arrived at a solution by
a penetrating geometrical analysis of
the network. Clearly the shapes and
lengths of the branches are irrelevant
for the problem, once the resistances
of the branches are given. What mat-
ters are merely the relations between
the branches and nodes, more pre-
cisely, whether or not the n-th
branch begins or terminates at the
m-th node. Here, m ranges from
1 to oc , and n from 1 to cc u and
"beginning" and "terminating" is
meant in the direction of the e.m.f.
on the branch*. Kirchhoff found that
in each network he could choose
^ i — &■ o + 1 branches after whose
deletion the network became acyclic
(i.e., free of circuits) while all nodes
were retained. With each of these
deleted branches he could connect
branches of the acyclic "skeleton" so
as to obtain a circuit of the original
network.
The a ! — cc _|_ 1 linear equa-
tions corresponding with the circuits
obtained in this way are readily seen
to be independent. Combining these
^ i — «: o + 1 independent circuit-
equations with the cc„ — 1 inde-
pendent node-equations Kirchhoff
obtained a system of cc j linear equa-
tions for the cc j unknown currents
and thought that he thus could al-
ways compute the currents by solv-
ing the equations. This reasoning was
inadequate since the two independ-
ent systems of equations need not
and, in fact, do not always combine
to an independent system of equa-
tions 6 . But fortunately, as Weyl
proved in 1924, the combined sys-
tem of cc t equations will be inde-
pendent provided that all the cc t
resistances are positive. Negative re-
sistances were discovered long after
Kirchhoff.
The simplest example of a net-
work for which, in presence of nega-
tive resistances, Kirchhoff's equa-
tions needs not yield a unique solu-
tion, is obtained by joining two nodes
Nj and N 2 by two branches B t and
B, (Fig. 3). We call r, and r 2 the
resistances, E t and E 2 the e.m.f. in
B, and B 2 , respectively, and assume
that the direction of both forces is
toward N„. We denote the unknown
currents by i, and ig. Then the cc =
2 node-equations read
ij -\- ig — and -i t — i 2 ■= 0.
They are dependent but either one
of them is independent (i.e., not
identically satisfied). There are two
circuits, which are identical except
for the orientation which is clockwise
in one, and counter-clockwise in the
other. We obtain cc j — <x -j-l=l
independent circuit equation
rj i t — r 2 ig = Ej — E 2 .
A system of cc x — 2 equations for
ii and i 2 reads
fj + ig = 0,
r t i, — t 2 ig = E, — Eg,
This system is independent if and
only if Ti ¥= -r 2 . If r x = -r 2 ; that is,
if the resistances are equal in magni-
tude but one is positive and one
negative, then the two equations are
dependent. In this case, they read
it + U = 0,
it + ig =Et- Eg
and obviously have no solution if
the other one.
42
8 An excellent discussion of these questions
; to be found in D. Koenig "Theoric der endlichen
nd unendlichen Graphen" (1936).
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
E x ¥= E 2 , while i t may be any num-
ber if Ej = E z .
In a less conspicuous way, the
same situation prevails in some more
complicated networks containing
negative resistances.
Apart from its practical applica-
tion, Kirchhoff's study has had nu-
merous theoretical consequences.
The number cc 1 — <x -)- 1, later
called the "cyclomatic number" of a
one-dimensional connected graph
with oc nodes and oc i branches, has
become the corner stone of the com-
binatoric topology of graphs. Com-
binatoric topology is that branch of
geometry which deals only with
those profound properties of spatial
objects (made of a finite number of
simple parts) that depend merely
upon incidence relations between the
parts and are independent of such
quantitative features as length, area,
volume, etc.
The scope of this theory goes far
beyond one-dimensional graphs
which, like networks, consist of
branches connecting nodes — al-
though the branches need not be
wires, in fact, not even geometrical
lines but may be sublimated to mere
indicators of relations. The number
^ 1 — a o + 1 has found extremely
important generalizations to higher-
dimensional objects of combinatoric
topology which contain also triangu-
lar surfaces, tetrahedral solids, etc.
IV. Geometric Thinking And
Human Organization
We study a group, G, of human
beings which is divided into two mu-
tually exclusive subgroups, Gi and
Go, such as men and women, selfish
and unselfish persons, English and
French speaking people, or the like.
Let us further assume that every-
body has a subjective attitude toward
these groups. Some members of G
wish to associate only with members
of Gi. We call the class of these per-
sons the attitude group A 1 . (For the
sake of simplicity we limit ourselves
to the study of the special case that
the attitudes are universal in the
sense that a person who likes associa-
tion with one member of Gj likes
association with any member of G].)
Similarly, there is an attitude group
A- of persons who wish to associate
only with members of G 2 . Finally,
there is a group A 12 of "tolerant"
persons who associate with every-
body, and a group A" of "hermits"
who associate with nobody.
The group G! is divided into four
subgroups,
G\ G-, G 1 -, G".
ill i
consisting of members who belong
to the attitude groups A 1 , A 2 , A 12 , A ,
respectively. Similarly, the group G_.
is divided into four subgroups,
G\ G 2 , G 12 , G°.
We shall refer to these eight groups
as the basic groups.
A subgroup of G is said to be
coherent if each two members of the
subgroup are willing to associate
with each other. Clearly, the basic
group G 1 is coherent in this sense.
For every member of G 1 belongs to
(Please turn to page 44)
BEHIND IT... A LITTELL FEED
Refrigerators mean little but ice cubes, vegetables
and cold cuts to the average user. Engineers, however,
know the intricate production problems each unit involves.
They know that "behind" the many sheet metal parts
that contribute to the whole mechanism is a Littell
Feed that dependably feeds and straightens the
metal from which those parts are fashioned.
I LITTELL
F. J. LITTELL MACHINE CO.
4127 RAVENSWOOD AVENUE • CHICAGO 13, ILLINOIS
MARCH, 1948
r
AOOOV
MM*
TO
4 FOR WIRES
AND CABLE
4 FOR RACEWAYS AND FITTING^
THE WORLD'S LARGEST PRODUCER OF
ELECTRICAL ROUGHING-IN MATERIALS
National Electric
Products Corporation
Pittsburgh 30, Pa.
43
Electrical Fixtures
LIGHTING FIXTURES
and
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
Triangle Electric Co.
600 West Adams Street
Chicago
Jack IWmr. Tel. HAYmexket 6262
Engines
"Caterpillar" Diesel Engines
and
Electric Generator Sets
Paffen Tractor
& Equipment Co.
620 S. 25th Ave. Bellwood, III!
Phones:
(Chicago) Mansfield I860
(Long Distance) Bellwood 300
Serson Hardware
& Supply Co.
E.UMLhed 1907
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES — SHEET
METAL WORK
109-111 East Thirty-First Street
Phone Victory i J™
GOLDENROD
ICE CREAM
Served exclusively
at
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
THE STAR OIL COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1890
LUBRICATING OILS AND GREASES
Telephone Seeley 4400
348 North Bell Avenue, Chicago
(Continued from page 43)
G 1 as well as to the attitude group
A 1 of people associating only with
members of Gi. Since also all the
other members of G 1 belong to Gi
every member of G 1 will be willing
1
to associate with every other mem-
ber of G 1 . Similarly, G'-', G 12 and G 12
are coherent groups. On the other
hand, none of the groups G 2 , G 1 , G",
1 2 1
G" is coherent. In fact, these groups
are explosive in the sense that no two
members of the same group wish to
associate with each other.
Moreover, we see that each mem-
ber of G 1 and each member of G 12
i i
are willing to associate with each
other. Two groups in this relation
will be called compatible. One read-
ily sees that among the eight basic
groups there are altogether six com-
patible pairs, namely,
G 1 and G' 2 ; G- and G 1 -; G' 2 and G]-;
G- and G ,J ; G 1 and G 12 ; G 2 and G 1 .
If we indicate each coherent group
by a circle, each explosive group by a
cross, and join two such "nodes" by a
"branch" if and only if the two groups
are compatible, then the network of
the simple human relations that we
are studying is represented by the
following graph:
How can we divide G into coherent
subgroups? Obviously, there are only
the following types of coherent
groups:
(Ai): groups consisting of mem-
bers of G 1 and of members of G 12 ,
special cases being groups containing
only members of G 1 or only members
of G 1 -;
(A 2 ): groups consisting of mem-
bers of G- and G 12 ;
(B): groups consisting of mem-
bers of G 1 - and G 12 ;
(Cj): groups consisting of exactly
one member of G 2 and any number
of members of G 12 , special cases being
groups consisting of one member of
G- only;
(Cj): groups consisting of exactly
one member of G 1 and any number
of members of G 12 ;
(D): groups consisting of exactly
one member of G 2 and one member
of G 1 ;
(E t ) and (E^): groups consisting
of one single member of G" or G",
respectively.
In particular situations, some of
the eight basic groups are vacuous
or at least insignificant. For instance,
if G, and Gj denote persons speak-
ing different languages, only the co-
herent basic groups G 1 , G 2 , G 12 , G 12
are significant, and groups of the
types (Aj), (A L .), and (B) are the
only coherent groups that are likely
to materialize.
On the contrary, if G] and Gj are
men and women in a party, then with
regard to the attitude toward dancing
only the explosive basic groups are
significant: men who wish to dance
with women; women who wish to
dance with men; and non-dancers.
Accordingly the only sets that will
materialize are dancing pairs of the
type (D), non-dancers of the type
(E), and wallflowers forming special
groups (C).
If G, are despots, G, the other
people, the only groups that are likely
(Please turn to page 46)
Management Engineers
GRIFFENHAGEN & ASSOCIATES
Established in 1911
CONSULTANTS IN MANAGEMENT
Advice and technical assistance on problems of
policy, organization, procedure, personnel, and finance
Call E. O. Gnffenhagen. senior partner, Randolph 3686
44
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
BRIGHT FINISHING was the problem— and engineers
of Crown Cork and Seal Company, Inc., Baltimore,
adopted a high - temperature method for fusing
tin to low-carbon strip, with resultant high-polish
surface, in a continuous production mill.
Then, to obtain the high temperatures necessary
for heat-processing, these engineers selected GAS
and modern Gas Equipment. By directing the heat
of radiant GAS burners over a concentrated area of
the freshly-plated strip it was readily possible to
coordinate the fusing action with the plating
process to accomplish continuous high-speed pro-
duction of bright finished strip.
This typical installation demonstrates the flexi-
bility of GAS and the applicability of modern Gas
Equipment for continuous, production-line heat
processing. Compared with available fuels GAS
is most readily controlled by simple automatic
devices; Gas Equipment can be adapted for use
with existing machinery or incorporated in new
machinery without radical design changes, or ex-
pensive supplemental apparatus.
Manufacturers of Gas Equipment and the American
Gas Association support continuing programs of
research designed to assure the most efficient use
of GAS for every heat-processing requirement.
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION
420 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK. 17, N. Y.
MARCH, 1948
(Continued from page 44)
to materialize are: groups of type
(Ci) consisting of one despot of the
group G and passive persons of the
group G' -'; and groups of the type
(Ao) consisting of persons of G- and
G> .
In concluding we discuss the
formal (extensive) aspect 7 of the
categorical imperative: to behave to-
ward others as one wishes everybody
to behave. We see that the members
of G', as well as the members of G~
fulfill this condition. Yet the union
of the two groups is not coherent. On
the other hand, a member of the
group G' does not fulfill the condi-
tion of the categorical imperative and
may nevertheless be included in co-
herent sets: in a pair consisting of
him and a member of G 1 ; or in a set
containing besides him only members
of G' '. Abidance by the categorical
" For a critique of the mater
rather, the lack of material co
principle, cf. the author's paper
Sociology 43, (1938' p. 790.
itenti of thi:
imperative is thus neither necessary
nor sufficient for the coherence of a
group.
What are possible applications of
such theories of human groups and
relations? Because theories of this
kind are necessarily and admittedly
formal they are looked upon with
misgivings if not contempt by those
who search for "absolute aims". Now,
whatever one may think of the
chances of this latter search, or the
very meaning of its objective — one
must admit that no agreement as to
the goal has been reached. Equally,
even if one thinks that formal reason-
ing can, and ought to be, supple-
mented by material studies, one must
admit that its modest results are
valid. Shall we let the bird in the
hand go for the sake of the two in the
bush?
Stability of organizations and hap-
piness of individuals are essentially
based on something related to the
coherence of groups which we have
studied in a simple case. One of the
aims of formal theories of human
relations is the discovery of schemes
for the division of groups into co-
herent subgroups. It is well known
that the systematic synthesis of phar-
maceutical products results in doz-
ens, if not hundreds, of compounds
which are discarded while occasion-
ally one is found which marks a prog-
ress. In the same way, a systematic
formal study of relations between
human individuals and groups would
undoubtedly lead to many imprac-
ticable schemes. But then occasion-
ally it might bring to light possibil-
ities which are overlooked in a
passionate material approach.
The general trend seems to be to-
ward the formation of uniform
groups. This is indeed the easiest
solution of the problem. But, as we
saw in discussing the categorical im-
perative, uniformity is neither neces-
sary nor sufficient for coherence. In
many situations, with some thought,
we may find divisions into subgroups
that impose considerably smaller
constraint on individuals and thus
promote human happiness and prog-
layouts
engravings
four color printing
office supplies
binding
tags
catalogues
magazines
HAYWOOD PUBLISHING COMPANY
5th and Ferry Sts. Phone 4085
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
46
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
BUSINESS IN MOTION
*7* 4
&t<tSl/
CCCJ **Z
^^yyt^LcCcoyi /5i*
cozened*
Are you using your supplier's brains, as well as his mate-
rials? It will pay you to do so. Let us give you three
examples that will show you what we mean. First, there
was the Revere customer who was found to have in his
shop a hand-soldering operation costing about 2? per unit.
We suggested a spot-welding machine which cut the cost
to a fraction, and did a better job.
In another case, spot welding was
impractical because of the nature of
the materials, and soldering was in-
evitable. Here Revere recommended
portable induction soldering equip-
ment. This proved to be so effective
in lowering costs that we have since
brought it to the attention of other
customers using hand-soldering
methods.
The question of rod versus strip is
another subject of great interest in these days of endless
search for better and faster methods. In our experience,
quite often a part can be made from strip just as well
as from rod, and at much lower cost. For instance, one
of the Revere customers was making a knob escutcheon
and bushing in a screw machine, turning out 150,000
pieces per month. He was using large quantities of bronze
rod. It was pointed out to him that the part could be
produced just as well by an eyelet machine using bronze
strip, substantially reducing every cost element, and re-
sulting in a product of equal appearance and service-
ability.
These are but three of many in-
stances of special service given by
Revere. You will note that the essen-
tial factor and common element in
each case was the willingness of the
customer to provide complete infor-
mation about methods and end uses.
Only this made it possible for us to
collaborate with our friends in the
successful search for cost-reducing
materials or processes.
Revere is by no means the only
company accustomed to work in this way with its cus-
tomers and prospects. Every important supplier in the
country is fully informed about his materials, whether
they be solids or fluids, organic or inorganic. We suggest
that no matter what you make, or how, it will pay ycu
to give your suppliers the privilege of collaboration.
REVERE COPPER AND BRASS INCORPORATED
Founded by Paul Revere in 1801
•k -k *
Executive Offices:
230 Park Avenue, New York 17, N. Y.
MARCH, 1948
47
Profession: Homemaker
(Continued from page 16)
standards, appearance, and social
usage are stressed throughout. The
nutritive value of foods is studied
in relation to the nutritive needs of
various age, sex, and activity groups.
Emphasis is placed upon menu plan-
ning, marketing, and preservation of
nutritive value by proper handling.
Dietary practices of sub-cultural
groups are studied and related to the
economic, social, and psychological
factors that impinge upon an indi-
vidual, influencing his choice of food,
and ultimately his nutritional status.
Students learn to improve their own
dietary practices, to like new foods,
and to overcome food prejudices by
studying the relation of nutrition to
positive health and methods of
changing food habits to improve nu-
tritional status.
Household equipment is studied
from the standpoint of construction.
JOHN S. DELMAN
Class of '38
♦
Annuities
Life Insurance
Retirement Plans
Accident & Health
Juvenile Insurance
THE GREAT-WEST LIFE
ASSURANCE CO.
1030 Field Bldg. 135 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago 3, III. Randolph 5560
use, selection, and care. The student
has access to many types of modern
equipment and has opportunity to
learn through use tests the essential
and the desirable features, and the
features to be avoided. Kitchen plan-
ning and work units designed for
efficiency and economy of time and
effort are given special consideration.
In the textiles and clothing, the
course follows a systematic study of
fabrics used for clothing and house-
hold textiles. One learns to identify
natural and synthetic fibers and to
understand differences of yarn con-
struction. Various types of weaves
commonly used in home fabrics and
finishing processes that impart spe-
cial characteristics are studied.
Knowing the relative importance of
fiber, yarn construction, weave, and
finish to the appearance, durability,
cost, and use of fabrics, one can make
intelligent selections from the wide
variety displayed to the consumer.
The study of clothing includes the
selection, construction, and care of
clothing best suited to the needs of
the individual. The course also in-
cludes pattern alteration and design,
and tailoring processes.
The study of aesthetic values in
family life is known as related art.
Each person becomes acquainted
with basic principles of design, line,
form, and color and learns to know
and appreciate artistic values.
Through the study of costume de-
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
COMPARATORS
CHRONOGRAPHS
SPECTROSCOPES
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROGRAPHS
CATHETOMETERS
OPTICAL BENCHES
INTERFEROMETERS
DIVIDING MACHINES
MICROMETER SLIDES
READING TELESCOPES
MEASURING MICROSCOPES
TOOLMAKER MICROSCOPES
THE GAERTNER SCIENTIFIC
CORPORATION
1206 Wriehtwood Ave., Chicaeo
sign, artistic principles are applied to
the problem of line, color, and style
to the end that clothing best suited
to the individual may be selected.
Interior design teaches the effective
use of color, line, and texture in in-
terior decoration. It stresses period
furniture, arrangement, and func-
tional design. House planning consid-
ers requirements for modern living
and the best use of space, placement
of the home on the lot, and other
problems of exteriors. After a study
of related art, the student is prepared
to plan or choose her surroundings
with good taste and without sacrifice
of efficiency. She is aware that a
home should provide a place in
which its family members can live,
perform their work, and pursue their
avocations, and that this is best done
in surroundings where artistic quali-
ties satisfy aesthetic needs.
The study of child development
and care, required of all students,
covers the physical, mental, and so-
cial development of children from
the pre-natal through the pre-school
period. Special emphasis is placed
on nutrition and its importance to all
aspects of the child's development.
The objective of study in this field
is to produce a home environment
best suited to the needs of the child
so that he may grow to full realiza-
tion of the potentialities with which
he is endowed.
Help For The Consumer
, In our modern society, family
economics is largely a problem of
consumption. Production is still prac-
ticed in the home in varying degrees,
but in urban areas the needs of the
family are supplied primarily
through the purchase of goods and
services produced outside the home.
Studies in this field have demon-
strated repeatedly that the standard
of living obtained by any family de-
pends fully as much on the use of
income as it does on its size. Nutri-
tion studies show that adequate diets
are not insured by large expenditures
for food. There is no expenditure
level at which all families obtain
adequate diets, whereas, at a given
expenditure level above the mini-
48
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
mum, good, fair, or poor diets are
obtained by different families.
Home economics has always con-
cerned itself with the problems of
the consumer. Use tests, standards
of adequacy, informative labeling,
specifications, are all terms familiar
to the home economist; they are
common tools of her trade. She be-
lieves that the consumer is entitled
to know what she is buying and what
she can expect from her purchases
in terms of performance, durability,
cost of upkeep, and satisfaction. The
experiences of the general public in
the past few years, coupled with the
pressure of inflation against all fam-
ily incomes, have persuaded many
persons to take more care in their
purchases. The Consumer Speaks
project of the American Home Eco-
nomics Association has demonstrated
that consumers are interested in per-
formance as well as price. It has
contributed and is still contributing
valuable information on the con-
sumers wants and needs and her
experiences with present consumer
goods. This information is also in-
valuable to maufacturers and dis-
tributors whose primary interest is
service to the consumer.
Best use of family income is em-
phasized through a study of budget-
ing based on the detailed study of
quantity, quality, and cost in each
specialized consumption area. Time
management, as well as money man-
agement, is important if maximum
satisfaction is to be experienced from
resources available to a family. Since
this is true, the study of home eco-
nomics includes an evaluation of
labor-saving devices in terms of time
as well as cost of operation and in-
vestment.
Careers For Home Economists
After completion of the curricu-
lum, a student has a background of
theory and practice in the problems
facing the modern homemaker. Many
opportunities for an interesting and
varied career await the graduate.
She may be a teacher, a dietician, a
nutritionist, or a home economist in
a welfare agency or business firm.
At present there is a shortage in all
professional fields that require home
economics training. Financial returns
from all are good. Opportunities for
advancement are available for those
who have the personal endowments
required for success in the chosen
field, in addition to the basic knowl-
edge acquired through training. The
speed and degree of advancement
are limited only by the qualifications
and industry of the individual.
Teaching is probably the best
known field for the graduate home
economist. Many elementary and
secondary schools offer courses in
homemaking. The rewards of teach-
ing are great because of the close
contact with pupils and because, in
general, the pupils are quite inter-
ested in the subject. For teaching in
colleges, further study and speciali-
zation at the graduate level is essen-
tial. Research is often combined
with teaching in colleges and univer-
sities, as is the case in other subject-
matter areas.
Dietetics and institutional food
service present attractive occupa-
tional possibilities. The duties of an
administrative dietitian or food ser-
vice manager include complete re-
sponsibility for menu planning, food
purchase, preparation and service,
and personnel management. The
therapeutic dietitian is concerned
with the use of food for treatment
in various types of illness. She works
with doctors to devise diets, plan
menus, and interpret to patients the
dietary regime best suited to each
one's needs. Many times her work
also includes research. To qualify as
a dietitian, a dietary internship in a
hospital is required after graduation
from college. For commercial food
service directors, apprenticeships are
available in many hotels and restau-
rants. In addition to the required
(Please turn to page 50)
THEY DONT WANT CHARITY-
THEY WANT A
0tO#&'
I
What crippled children want, and what they
get through Easter Seals, is a chance in life.
A chance for proper medical care and equip-
ment, healthful recreation, special voca-
tional training. A chance to overcome their
handicap, to lead useful, happy lives. Giv-
ing through the purchase of Easter Seals is
your chance to give them a chance.
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CRIPPLED
CHILDREN AND ADULTS, INC.
1 1 South La Salle Street
Chicago 3, Illinois
Every Easter Seal You Buy Helps a Crippled Child
MARCH, 1948
49
(Continued from page 49)
curriculum, the prospective dietitian
attending Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology must use electives for the
study of large quantity cookery, in-
stitutional management, and diet in
disease.
Business offers an ever increasing
number and variety of positions to
home economics graduates. Con-
sumption of many goods and services
centers in the home and the greatest
responsibility for their choice rests
with the homemaker. Since industry
desires to meet the needs of the
homemaker, it has found invaluable
1AN0GRAPH:
An economical reproduction process for Office
Forms, Charts, Diagrams, Graphs, Specifica-
tions, Testimonials, House-Organ Magazines,
Bulletins, Maps and many other items.
No Run Too Long
No Run Too Short
Estimates will not obligate you
in any way. WRITE OR CALL
CHICAGO PLANOGRAPH CORP.
1220 W. Van Buren St.
Chicago 7, III.
Process Machinery
F. M. deBeers Cr Associates
20 N. Wacker Drive Rand. 2326
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
Process Machinery and Equipment
• SPIRAL, plate-type, counter-flow heat ex
changers.
• CENTRIFUGALS — perforate and solid
baskets — any metal. Centroid speed con-
• MULTI-STAGE VACUUM UNITS — for
vac. cooling — vac. refrigeration. Steam jet
equipment — condensers.
• CHEMICAL STONEWARE — Mid-West-
em representatives General Ceramics Co.
the advice of women who have com-
pleted a study of homemaking. These
home economists contribute to equip-
ment design and product develop-
ment. Merchandising, advertising,
and public relations also claim their
services. Although the food industry
has made the greatest use of home
economist, there is also a demand for
them in the equipment and textile
fields. In all three industries there
are openings in manufacturing and
in wholesale and retail distribution.
Public health agencies employ
home economics graduates to direct
their nutrition education programs.
Openings in this important field have
multiplied in the last few years be-
cause physicians and health educa-
tors have come to appreciate the
importance of nutrition to the pub-
lic health. The appalling number of
youths rejected by the Selective Ser-
vice System because of defects that
could have been prevented or reme-
died by proper diet dramatized the
existence of a great gulf between
what is known about nutrition and
what is practiced. Except for minor
gaps, we know what constitutes an
adequate diet for all age, sex, and
activity groups, yet dietary studies
show that the food intake of a large
proportion of the population is sub-
optimal. It is the nutritionist's task
to bring about in practice the stand-
ard made possible by present day
knowledge. To this end she teaches
the public through classes, interviews,
and the printed page.
THE CHIEF PRINTING CO.
6911 South Chicago Avenue
Telephone MIDway 2100
CHICAGO
Photo Printing
.j^m* dldji'<
ACME CQ.PY CORP.
53 WEST
WABASH 6743
JACKSON BLVD.
CHICAGO
Home economists employed by
welfare agencies serve as consultants.
They advise the agencies regarding
kinds and amounts, as well as costs,
of goods and services that will enable
families to maintain health and par-
ticipate in normal community life.
Standard budgets, currently priced,
are used by the agency to determine
eligibilty for assistance as well as
assistance grants. As a consultant to
the case work staff, the home econo-
mist may also be called upon to assist
families in the solution of manage-
ment or nutrition problems. Home
economics in social welfare is a grow-
ing field and has in recent years
expanded to budget counseling for
self-supporting families not seeking
assistance, but wanting to better
manage their incomes.
So far this discussion has been
confined to a consideration of women
with a major interest in home eco-
nomics; however, students majoring
in other subjects are also welcome in
the classes. Although it is primarily
a woman's field, there are certain
aspects in which men are interested.
Textiles, nutrition, and art are illus-
trative. Classes are open to men at
Illinois Tech, and in some evening
classes they outnumber the women
students. A few have enrolled in the
day school and it is hoped that this
practice will become more common,
for a better understanding of the
problems of the home is important
to all the family members, men as
well as women.
The department is now located in
the Loop, but included in the build-
ing program at Technology Center is
space specifically designed for home
economics laboratories. The new
home will be in the Liberal Studies
building. New facilities will make it
possible to offer a more varied pro-
gram, especially in advanced study
for professional work. This is in
keeping with the Lewis Institute tra-
dition where home economics courses
were offered from Lewis' founding in
1896; it also coincides with the pol-
icy of Illinois Institute of Technol-
ogy, where students receive technical
training for positions of leadership in
business and industry.
50
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Plastics where plastics belong Because of a unique combination of chemical, electrical,
and mechanical qualities, Synthane laminated plastics can
be applied to an endless number of practical purposes.
Moisture and corrosion resistant, light-weight and struc-
turally strong, Synthane has many collective advantages
not readily found in any other material. One of the best
electrical insulators known, Synthane is hard, dense, dur-
able . . . quickly and easily machined.
Among the interesting occupations of our type of tech-
nical plastics are the redraw bobbin and chuck (below)
used in winding fine denier nylon for women's hosiery.
Fine nylon filaments can be wound without pulling and
sticking because of the smoothness of the bobbin. Light
weight of bobbin and chuck allows the spindle to bo started
and stopped faster and with less effort. Greater crushing
strength of tube permits larger amounts of nylon to i>^
wound. This is an appropriate job for Synthane, an inter- — -
esting example of using plastics where plastics belong.
Synthane Corporation, I River Road, Oaks, Pa.
[ SYN-fBANE ]
where Synthane belongs
The Challenge to Freedom
(Continued from page 17)
as Barbara Ward has so succinctly
stated, "That they can be separable
is a matter of theory, not of fact."
Part II
Let us come now to our second
factor in the advancement of free-
dom. It is one which seems far re-
moved from the realm of religion.
Yet it is a force to be reckoned with
in the Western World. Many will
say that its influence upon twentieth
century America is nowhere
matched. And while it is not gener-
ally credited with a major role in
support of man's freedom, I believe
that such a role is not lacking in this
connection. I refer to the growth of
science and technology — and partic-
ularly to the influence which con-
trolled inanimate power has had in
shaping our destinies.
With the invention of the steam
engine man began to enter into his
present illimitable treasury of pow-
er. Less than two hundred years ago
civilization was dependent upon
man-power, largely in the form of
slave or serf labor, augmented some-
what by the use of domestic ani-
mals, falling water, or the winds of
heaven in sails and windmills. Man
employed tools and skills to spin and
weave. He used wheel carriages for
transport. But the forces of nature
were only employed where they
could be found. They could not be
stored or transported. Therefore, a
vast amount of man's work had to be
done by hand, and the chief source
of his power was manpower or the
use of animals.
It is little wonder that in a world
of such nature, men of power and
organizational ability imposed their
will upon more docile men, thus cre-
ating a state of servitude. It is also
an historical fact that slavery and
various forms of serfdom prevailed
in practically all societies which an-
tedated this modern era in which
science and technology has made
available greater power and a wider
52
distribution of the various forms of
inanimate power. Therefore, we may
attribute the growth of man's free-
dom, in part at least, to his mastery
of those elements which have af-
forded him greater sources of avail-
able and transportable power. There
is no longer occasion for enslaving
and degrading our fellow man to use
his muscular power, since cheaper
and more efficient sources of power
have been provided in abundance.
The many civilizations which
have preceded ours have not been
barren. Nor have they all been brut-
ish. At favored times and places
there have been materially rich civi-
lizations. In art, in literature, in phil-
osophy, in religion, in all that ex-
presses beauty and the rich poten-
tialities of the human mind and per-
sonality, and makes possible the
highest form of human happiness,
man achieved a quality which he
has never surpassed since he has
entered into his heritage of greater
power.-' But cultural advantages and
leisure through these earlier cen-
turies were the privilege of the fa-
vored few. And those who reaped
the rewards of such earlier civiliza-
tions generally did so with a much
greater degree of exploitation of
their fellow men.
To illustrate this from our coun-
try's history — and from that of the
British — England was one of the
first countries to become industrial-
ized. She was also one of the first to
champion the cause of freedom, and
without a great military struggle,
was the first to free her slaves. In
this country the industrialized North
was the first to take the stand
against slavery, and in the final
struggle for abolition, the Union's
victory over the South was assured
by its greater industrial machine.
Even the McCormack reaper, which
released many able-bodied men from
- Sir Arthur Salter, Second Massey Lecture,
"Modern Mechanization and Its Effects on the
Structure of Society," McGill University, April 18,
1933. Reprinted in Science and Social Change.
Brookings, Washington, 1939, pp. 317-339.
the farms to the army and made pos-
sible the harvesting of grain by the
older men and the women, was a
factor in bringing the war to a suc-
cessful conclusion.
Today, power, mechanical appli-
ances, the instantaneous transmis-
sion of news, and all of the techno-
logical advances that go with these,
are the dominant forces in deter-
mining the material basis of man's
life; the structure of his society and
his government; the character of his
opportunities and his problems. For
the first time in history mankind
now has sufficient material resources
and skill to provide not only the ne-
cessities but also the comforts of life
to the whole of the world's popula-
tion. It would be possible to give
every man both material wealth and
the leisure which he needs to realize
the full potentialities of his nature
and enjoy the full heritage of the
civilization of today, if only we
spread the knowledge and advance
the skills which we now possess.
When we stop to consider the enor-
mous productivity of the United
States during the war, with fifteen
million or more of our most able-
bodied men and women withdrawn
from the field of production, we can
begin to comprehend our potential-
ities in power and resources. Consid-
er also the speed with which we con-
verted from production for peace to
war production. And other indus-
trialized countries performed simi-
lar feats under even more adverse
circumstances. Consequently we
know what could be done in the pro-
ductions of those things which man
needs.
But having the power potential is
only the beginning. Ordered human
progress requires more. The full ap-
preciation of our freedom requires
more. We must possess not only the
power, the knowledge, the industry
and the skill to work cooperatively
for great productive progress, but
also we must regulate and control
individual and group activities so
that they do not react disastrously
and destructively upon each other.
That is the major problem of the
(Please turn to page 54)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
free men of our time. The problem
of production is a problem of crea-
tion. That we have solved. But the
second, the problem of regulation in
the public interest, is a far more
complex and difficult problem. It is
the great unsolved problem of our
day. The future of man's freedom
depends upon his success in making
the right solution to this important
problem. As John Dewey has said,
"The great scientific revolution is
still to come. It will ensue when men
collectively and cooperatively or-
ganize their knowledge to achieve
and make secure human values."
Such values as international
peace, industrial plenty, physical
health and long life for a great ma-
jority of people, are among the prac-
tical possibilities. To achieve such
goals we must think of science and
technology in its broadest sense. Sci-
ence today, it should be remembered,
means not merely the physical and
biological sciences, but also the social
sciences — modern economics, sociol-
ogy, psychology, statistics and re-
lated subjects. These we now seek to
develop in a way as nearly objective
as the nature of human materials and
the available techniques of investiga-
tion permit. In our time the highest
hope of social advancement is based
on a reasoned relationship of man to
man, not a haphazard relationship.
Part III
Within our present legal structure
we have evolved a certain system of
social controls which some regard as
unduly inhibitive. But this has de-
veloped naturally. No one will deny
that it is the government's function
to restrain licentious conduct. The
excess of those who would prey upon
society must be curbed. The police
must restrain the highwayman, the
housebreaker and the reckless driv-
er. The protection of our property
and our safety require it. It may be
said that only with such protection
may one enjoy the blessings of free-
dom. And only those who live by
preying upon society will question
such orderly restraint by the police.
But in a highly complex society, the
government's functions do not end
— and cannot end — with the re-
straint of these obviously anti-social
acts. The government's activities, by
popular demand, endeavor to keep
pace with our social and economic
life. As it becomes more complex,
government functions lose their sim-
plicity. Just as some citizens demand
the enactment of laws to repress rob-
bery, and property owners obtain
protection for their persons, their
houses, their chattels and their lands,
so also do those engaged in the
trades, the professions, and busi-
nesses of sundry sorts, seek security
in the government's protection
against interlopers.
It is in this realm of government
control of our economic life that we
first face a recognizable challenge to
liberty, and to free enterprise. This,
too, had a simple beginning. Let us
consider the professional man — the
lawyer, the doctor, the surgeon, the
dentist. Each of these must spend
years of study and preparation to
attain creditable standing. Is it not
reasonable that the state protect him
against the unfair competition of
quacks and shysters? Naturally, this
is done in the public interest as well
as in the interest of the professional
man involved.
From our country's beginning, the
government has encouraged inven-
tion by awarding monopoly privi-
leges to those who perfect new and
ingenious devices. And those who
have been so brash as to question
the wisdom of such a monopoly
grant have generally been regarded
as dangerous characters who would
undermine the foundations of our
economic order. But all such grants
of special privilege are a phase of
government interference in the
"free" exercise of economic life.
Another phase of government in-
terference with the free flow of
goods and services, which has long
had public acceptance, has been the
protective tariff. Designed in the
days of Alexander Hamilton as a
means of securing the home markets
for our infant industries, the degree
of protection has generally increased
in direct proportion to the power and
influence of the industries protected.
There have been a few minor excep-
tions. But in the main, the bigger the
industry, the higher the protection.
Such government assistance has se-
cured our higher prices — and has
often enhanced the growth of mo-
nopolies other than those predicated
upon patents. At least this practice
of shutting out foreign goods has
given rise to situations wherein one,
two, or, at the most, a half dozen
firms, dominate certain industries.
All such government interference
limits the competition which was
once regarded as the life of trade.
In short, as Dean Cox has said, men
who see the virtues of competition
for others seek shelter against it for
themselves. 3
And so we progress from one
phase of government interference
with our economic life to another. It
is not unnatural for the workers in
such major industries as those just
mentioned to unite and demand the
government's protection of their
rights to bargain collectively. Where
the industry is itself maintaining a
relatively stable price system, the
unions naturally seek to bargain on
an industry-wide basis and to pre-
scribe uniform wages for the indus-
try. What could be more natural?
And after this has been done, the
power and influence of unions
reaches a point which the public
thinks should be brought under con-
trol. Consequently we have the
(Please turn to page 54)
» Garfield V. Cox, "Shall We Save Free Enter-
prise?" The University of Chicago Magazine,
December 1947, pp. 9-11.
MARCH, 1948
53
(Continued from page 53)
Taft-Hartley Act, a further restraint
upon both employers and employees
in the conduct of their relations.
Meanwhile, the farmers have not
been asleep. Through equally effec-
tive political pressure organizations
of the agrarian group has likewise
sought and obtained a degree of
government price maintenance. In
each case government aid has been
sought and legislation to effectuate
the desired end has been obtained.
And who is to say that one group
has a better right to such protection
than another?
Let us go one step further. If the
government is to lend its good of-
fices to support the strong, why
should it deny them to the weak?
Our humane consideration for the
unsuccessful has been a factor in the
growing influence of the government
in our economic life. In an era of
swiftly changing technology, the la-
bor market deals harshly with many
persons. Mature men do not leave
their homes and friends and learn
new trades readily. Consequently,
there is loss of jobs, loss of property,
a shrinkage of incomes, and a fur-
ther demand upon the government
for safeguards against such social
insecurity.
All of this adds to the sum total
of government participation in our
economic life. It is the manifestation
of what has come to be known as
collectivism. And it is said to be a
challenge to our freedom. Certainly
it has produced an economy vastly
different from that which obtained
seventy years ago. But it is impor-
tant to note that this situation is be-
ing brought about not so much by
the advocates of state socialism as
by those who have associated them-
selves together to make common
cause for their own private interests
and to seek government aid in ad-
vancing these ends. Whether in the
field of tariff -protected industry,
government-supported labor unions,
government-supported franchises in
the utility field, price-supported
farm production and marketing, or
social security, it all adds up to the
uses of government, or private mo-
nopoly, to win for the beneficiaries
more income for less service. Such is
the character of our political econ-
omy at home.
And what do we face abroad?
The system of competitive private
enterprise in America may be even
harder to maintain in the face of
growing collectivism in those coun-
tries with whom we must trade, or
with whom we must compete for
markets. It may be impossible to
make our system more competitive
and restore free markets at home
when our domestic firms are com-
pelled to deal with states or quasi-
public monopolies abroad.
Part IV
Today, as every day, we face a
new challenge. The difficulties that
are set for free governments by the
developments of technology, and the
social and economic change which
goes with such developments, are
enormous. We must admit that the
government has an increasing re-
sponsibility. We cannot deny that
there must be some controls. The
problem is how to shape our domestic
policy and our foreign policy so that
both business and individual citi-
zens may function with relative free-
dom and yet will play the game ac-
cording to the rules. For it is the
government's function to prescribe
the rules. As Sir Arthur Salter has
said: "The forms and methods of
government are always adapting
themselves; but they are always lag-
ging behind. The pace set by prog-
ress in scientific invention and im-
proved industrial technique is too
hot for man's regulative control to
overtake. And when it lags behind,
every new progress in specialized
activity is a new danger; every new
access of power threatens destruc-
tion of what we have more than it
promises increase. That is why
mechanization is compelling, and
will compel, profound changes in the
whole social structure."
The constant demand for new
laws is an indication of the changes
in our economic and social order.
Every man has his conception of his
own freedom and just how the other
fellow's activities should be curtailed
in the public interest. While it is not
within our province to say what
your list of freedoms and restraints
should be, there are certain funda-
mental liberties which we should all
seek to safeguard. We should like to
list a few of these and consider with
you their present status.
Freedom of religious worship has
been one of our cherished liberties
since the time of Thomas Jefferson's
fight on the established church in
Virginia (and since the adoption of
the first amendment to the Constitu-
tion). We should not overlook it
now. You will note that this has
meant, as far as the government has
been concerned, freedom for all re-
ligious groups — not just the Chris-
tian groups, or a particular denom-
ination of that faith.
A democratic society could hard-
ly flourish without a great measure
of uncoerced personal responsibility
among its citizens. It is basic with us
that there are limitations to the
state's authority. The English fought
to defeat absolutism as it was ex-
pressed in the Divine Right doc-
trines of the Stuart Kings. And we
in America have expressed the same
idea in limiting the power of the
states by written constitutions. But
all such ideas are again being chal-
lenged by new cults of absolutism.
The Germans sought an Ayrian par-
adise. Other Marxist groups cham-
pion the classless society. Each
thinks that it alone stands for per-
fection — and, therefore, it alone
should be allowed to exist as a guid-
ing force in men's lives. It is a situa-
tion in which faith in God gives way
to faith in National Socialism, in
54
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Communism, in leader worship, or
in the Divine Emperor. All of these
put their leader, their party, or their
emperor, above the law. All are, in
a sense, absolute. In none of these
do we find freedom of worship. Nor
do we find citizens uncoerced in
such states. Let us be on the alert to
protect this first of our many free-
doms — the freedom of religious wor-
ship.
It goes without saying that such
other civil rights as free speech, free
assembly, and the freedom to pub-
lish dissenting views, is in the same
category as that of religious wor-
ship. Our political faith has cham-
pioned all of these, with modifica-
tions. In times of national emer-
gency, the state has dealt rather
harshly with all such personal rights.
And now that we seem to face emer-
gencies more frequently — if not con-
tinuously — such personal freedom is
becoming increasingly endangered.
The activities of our Federal Bureau
of Investigation are increasing. But
what is even more repressive than
these government police is a tend-
ency on the part of some self-ap-
pointed groups to engage in various
forms of witch-hunting.
Part V
For those who deplore the in-
crease in government controls in the
economic field, we believe there is
little solace. As our economic and
social life become more complex our
governmental functions are bound
to increase, not decrease. This can
be easily illustrated by the citizen
who may live in an isolated area,
such as may be found in parts of
Texas or in one of the Rocky Moun-
tain states. Such a person may have
the ultimate in personal freedom. He
may even extend his conduct to the
point of licentiousness. He may get
as drunk as he pleases, make as
much noise as he pleases, fire his gun
in any direction that suits him. He
may even kill anything that gets in
his way with little likelihood of his
being apprehended and confined by
the law. But as he progresses from
that point of isolation onto the state
highway, he may soon find the re-
straint of government taking a firm
hand. By the time he reaches the
heart of one of our cities, his conduct
will have been decidedly altered or
he will have been confined for an
extended period of time. And so it is
in the field of economic activity; the
more complex our economy becomes
the greater becomes the need for
some regulation.
Now that the government has such
an established practice of making
regulations in the economic field, it
is not likely to relinquish such con-
trols. It is often said that we could
not abolish our tariff restrictions
without creating chaos in many of
our industries. But two years ago we
were assured that if we would only
get rid of the government's restric-
tions on prices, the laws of supply
and demand would take care of the
direction of our production and prices
would go down. We got rid of most
of our controls, and we are now in
the throes of an inflationary spiral
which is creating more fear and ap-
prehension than anything that has
confronted us within the memory of
this generation. Many are now won-
dering whether we should have been
in such haste to abolish some of our
war-time controls.
Only last week, one of the coun-
try's leading elder statesmen, and a
capitalist, urged a congressional com-
mittee to roll back prices and hold
them; to postpone income tax reduc-
tion; to stabilize wages; to restore at
least half of the excess profits tax on
corporations; and to continue rent
controls and to expand production.
Of course, he could scarcely have
proposed a five-point program that
would be more unpopular, politically.
The manufacturers don't want price
control. Tax payers do want a tax
cut. Labor wants no ceiling on wages.
And corporations do not want an ex-
cess profits tax. But in our refusal to
take Mr. Baruch's bitter pill, we may
(Please turn to page 56)
LUFKIN "Peerless" Chrome Clad
Steel Tapes
Rough, tough measuring
work can't hurt the Lufkin
"Peerless" Chrome Clad Steel
Tape. Jet black markings are
always easy to read. Sturdy steel
line is covered with satin smooth
chrome that resists rust and will not
crack, chip, or peel. For free catalog
write THE LUFKIN RULE CO., SAGINAW,
MICH., New York City.
FOft ACCURACY
MARCH, 1948
55
(Continued from page 55)
invite an economic boom and bust
which will be far more disastrous for
our economic well-being than any-
thing we have yet faced. Such a
collapse would be worse for our free
economy — and in the long run, for
our personal freedom — than what
Mr. Baruch has proposed.
The need is great for better and
clearer rules in matters which are al-
ready the acknowledged responsibil-
ity of the state. The direction of our
monetary and fiscal policy, the fed-
eral tax structure, spending and debt
arrangements — these are the major
areas of government responsibility,
and today they are all a bewildering
hodge podge. The government has
plenty to do in these fields of major
policy — in prescribing the working
rules of our free economy — without
dabbling in details of labor contract
negotiation, and into the personal be-
liefs of some citizens.
Part VI
We should not conclude a discus-
sion of this topic without some con-
sideration of our obligations to the
rest of the world. Foreign affairs are
now our most intimate domestic con-
cern. The immediate and pressing
challenge to our belief in freedom
and prosperity is in western Europe.
Here are people who have tradition-
ally shared our faith in human dig-
nity. These are the nations from
whence our forefathers came and in
whose traditions our civilization is
rooted. Because of the dark shadows
cast by the hopelessness, hunger and
fear that have followed the Nazi war,
they are threatened by Communism.
The reconstruction of western Eu-
rope is a task from which Americans
can escape only if they wish to aban-
don every principle by which they
pretend to live 4 .
Communist Russia is counting on
an economic collapse in the United
States as the signal for its further ad-
vance westward. We are, in a sense,
already at war with Russia. It has
« Henry L. Stimson, "The Challenge to Ameri-
cans/' Foreign Affairs, October 1 947. Reprinted
for the Committee for the Marshall Plan, pp.
been called the "cold war". That is
because we have been waging it by
economic pressure and by aid to cer-
tain European governments who are
engaged in more direct and overt
conflict with the Russian satellite na-
tions. The lessons of history should
teach us that such economic strife is
but the prelude to a shooting war.
And if our economy is allowed to
collapse our chances of winning, short
of a shooting war, are practically nil.
Popular sentiment in the United
States today seems to run along three
divergent lines: First, there is the
official sponsorship of Secretary Mar-
shall's plan to aid the western Euro-
pean peoples to get back on their
feet — to help them in their efforts to
help themselves. This seems to be
the prevailing view, since it is not
only the policy of the administration
but also has the active support of
such Republican members of Con-
gress as Senator Vandenburg, Chair-
man of the powerful Senate Foreign
Relations Committee. It is, we be-
lieve, the sincere belief of most of
those who support this program that
only through some such plan of pre-
serving the freedom of these western
European peoples will we be able to
maintain our own freedom. If all
of Europe falls within the Russian
sphere of influence, our position of
leadership will have been lost and
our future security endangered.
The second body of opinion in the
United States is one which cham-
pions the solution of this and all
other foreign problems by more di-
rect and aggressive military action.
With the greatest Navy in the world,
the greatest potential air force in the
world, the greatest industrial ma-
chine in the world, and with the
atomic bomb, we are invincible.
Therefore, say these patriots, "What
are we waiting for?" We could solve
the Russian problem within a few
decisive months, so why wait for the
Russians to get their own atom bomb
and attack us?
We believe, with Henry L. Stim-
son, that such strong-arm methods
would be the worst kind of nonsense.
This view results from a hopeless
misunderstanding of the geographi-
cal and military situation, and a
cynical disregard of what the people
of the world will tolerate from any
nation, however lofty its alleged mo-
tives. This militaristic, or jingoistic,
theory indicates a wrong impression
of the basic attitudes and motives of
the American people. Even if it were
true that the United States now had
the opportunity to establish forceful
hegemony throughout the world, we
could not possibly take that oppor-
tunity without deserting our true in-
heritance. As Mr. Stimson has said,
"Americans as conquerors would be
tragically miscast." As such we
should be forced to surrender free-
dom at home. How then could we be
its champions abroad.
The third body of opinion with
respect to our foreign policy is that
expressed by Henry Wallace. His
goodhearted insistence that nobody
can dislike us if we try to like them
is naive, to say the least. Of course,
we must show good faith in our deal-
ings with Russia. Only by so doing
can we leave the door open for Rus-
sian good faith toward us. But all
of this does not alter the fact that
the Soviet leaders have hoped and
planned for the day when our eco-
nomic system would collapse. And
the regime which exists in the U. S.
S. R., and her satellite states, is one
which holds little hope for the future
of freedom as we know it. Therefore,
the challenge of Russian Commu-
nism is a challenge to us, and to our
freedom. We can meet this chal-
lenge, not by conquering and sub-
ordinating the rest of the world to
our military might, but by asserting
a form of leadership which restores
and preserves the dignity of our fel-
lowmen.
The Marshall plan may involve
a gamble — a desperate one. But so
does any other course we take. And
the greatest risk of all comes from
inerita — from doing nothing. We
cannot drift into security, but only
into subjection and slavery. Our
leadership and our greatness depend
upon some positive program, some
forward effort. Let us not forget the
old adage: "Eternal vigilance is the
price of liberty."
56
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
'—Many shall run to
ind knowledge will be increased — dap
Why transportation gets better all the time
Over six hundred miles an hour in the air, four hun-
dred on land, one hundred on water— these are the speeds
that are telescoping time and space today.
The world shrinks and shrinks . . . Distances that were
once days, weeks, months away are now a matter of hours.
What things behind the scenes have brought these whirl-
wind developments in transportation?
There's chromium, for one. Basis of stainless steel, it
toughens planes, cars, trains . . . insures added safety . . .
yet makes them lighter throughout.
There are special carbon brushes necessary to the opera-
tion of some thirty motors and generators used in the con-,
trol apparatus of modern transport planes. These brushes
must be built to stand up under the pressures of high alti-
tude flying.
Colorful plastics, too, lend their lightness, give their
strength, safety and serviceability.
And gasoline now gives more power— has more get-up-
and-go— takes you farther at less cost . . . thanks to new
vitalizing chemicals.
Producing these better materials and many others— for
the use of science and industry and the benefit of mankind
—is the work of the people of Union Carbide.
FREE: You are invited to send for the illustrated booklet, "Products
and Processes" which describes the ways in which industry uses
I CC's Alloys, Carbons, Chemicals, Gases and Plastics.
Union Carbide
AND CAHJBOJV COlZPO-RATIOir
30 EAST 42ND STREET |l|^ NEW YORK 17, N. Y.
Products of Divisions and links include
Linde Oxygen • Prest-O-Lite Acetylene • Pyrofax Gas • Bakelite, Krene, Vinyon, and Vinylite Plastics
National Carbons • Eveready Flashlights and Batteries . Acheson Electrodes
Prestone and Trek Anti-Freezes • Electromet Alloys and Metals • Haynes Stellite Alloys • Synthetic Organic Chemicals
Partners in Research
(Continued from page 21)
making available to other countries
an integrated non-profit, non-govern-
mental, industrial research and ex-
perimental engineering service on a
broad basis.
The Foundation recognizes the es-
sential role that industrial technology
and research must play in economic
development and in the improve-
ment of living standards of people
everywhere. The view is shared by
leaders in government, industry, and
banking throughout the world.
Objectives
Services of the International Divi-
sion are available to foreign private
industries, foreign governmental
bodies, central banks, planning and
development commissions, and also
to similar domestic entities seeking
new sources of products and mate-
rials for importation, and those seek-
ing to adapt their processes and prod-
ucts to the requirements of foreign
markets and manufacture. The prin-
cipal objectives of the division are:
1 — To undertake technological
audits of industries within foreign
countries for responsible private or
government organizations.
2 — To conduct surveys and lab-
oratory research on the natural re-
sources of foreign countries and to
make recommendations for their
utilization.
3 — To study, recommend, con-
duct, and supervise research leading
to the improvement of existing indus-
tries, the establishment of new ones,
and the general improvement of
health, nutrition, productivity and
standard of living of other peoples.
4 — To encourage and make pos-
sible necessary research and develop-
ment work by foreign private indus-
try.
5 — To provide specialized tech-
nical, engineering, and scientific as-
sistance for development of indus-
tries and improvement of industrial
operations.
6 — To assist and promote develop-
ment of trained technical personnel,
research facilities, and industrial
process control in all countries.
7 — To assist in establishing and
operating research organizations in
countries where these organizations
can be of value.
Background
The Foundation first entered the
field of international service in 1942
when it was commissioned by the
Argentine Corporacion Para la Pro-
mocion del Intercambio to make a
full scale technical and economic sur-
vey to Argentine industries. This
study was designed to indicate spe-
cific steps for modernization of exist-
ing industries and to outline research
programs for the ultimate better
utilization of natural resources for
the economic improvement of the
Republic and its people. New Argen-
tine factories, institutions, and other
evidences of industrial progress,
based upon recommendations of a
published report of the survey, have
since been established within the
Republic.
In 1944, the Foundation was com-
missioned by El Banco de Mexico to
make a similar survey of selected
industrial groups and resources of
the Republic of Mexico with special
emphasis on the development of
fibers, hides and leather, forest prod-
ucts, and solid fuels. Although this
basic survey was completed and pub-
lished at the end of 1945, numerous
special research projects resulting
from it were continued well into
1946. In April, 1947 the Banco de
Mexico arranged for a new, expanded
program to be conducted by the
Foundation. An even more extensive
study of industry and resources has
been requested by the Mexican Fed-
eral Government as an aid to Mex-
ico's industrial planning.
In additon to the Technological
and Economic Survey of Argentine
Industries and the Technological
Audit of Selected Mexican Indus-
tries, several problems dealing with
specific industries have been solved.
Among these are: (1) the develop-
ment of a method of producing a
stabilized extract of cascalote tannin
for the leather industry; (2) the de-
velopment of a rapid method of an-
alysis of the alkaloid content of the
bark of young cinchona trees for the
selection of plants for quinine pro-
duction; (3) the design of a plant for
the continuous extraction of quinine
from cinchona bark; (4) technical
and engineering studies for the im-
provement of operations of a glass
factory in Monterrey; and, (5) de-
velopment of by-products from the
wastes of henequen fiber production,
two of which may be of major indus-
trial importance to the Yucatan pen-
insula, a "single product" state.
New projects now in progress in-
clude evaluation of a packing house
by-products industry in Mexico; a
comprehensive study of fats and oils
native to Mexico as raw materials for
both new and established industries;
evaluation of fluorspar deposits in
Mexico with the view towards their
beneficiation; and, the stabilization
and nutritional improvement of the
tortilla base (masa).
Establishment of a Mexican tech-
nological research institute actively
encouraged by the Foundation is
nearing realization. Patterned after
similar organizations in the United
States this institute is expected to
provide a service to industry and to
government and to supply a much
needed link in the industrial develop-
ment program of Mexico.
Facilities
The International Division is
uniquely equipped with a staff al-
ready familiar with many of the
specialized requirements and prob-
lems of research in other countries.
To further implement the usefulness
of this background there is available
for specific problems a staff of more
than 400 technologists in the research
division of the Foundation. These
facilities are augmented by the serv-
ices of many other research organiza-
tions, engineers, consultants, univer-
sities and similar entities that have
made their facilities and personnel
available. Thus it is possible to in-
vestigate and develop resources and
industrial opportunities within a for-
5S
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
eign country by making available to
it services in practically every field
of engineering (mechanical, electric-
al, process, chemical, metallurgical,
etc.), in agriculture, in foods and
nutrition, in minerology and geology,
in ceramics and in others.
Magnetic Recorder Division
The Foundation has continued to
pursue a very comprehensive pro-
gram of research and development
in the field of magnetic recording.
The activities range from a study of
specific manufacturing problems en-
countered by industry to basic re-
search in the nature of ferromagne-
tism. The scope of this research pro-
gram is wide because of the range of
commercial applications in which the
licensees have shown interest. In
some applications high quality is of
paramount importance with the
manufacturing cost a secondary con-
sideration. In other applications, cost
is the major factor. Exacting per-
formance requirements are also en-
countered in the use of magnetic
recorders as scientific instruments for
the recording of signals other than
speech and music.
During the past year considerable
attention has been given to the im-
provement of the recording medium
and to the development of new mag-
netic recording media. An improved
magnetic powder has been developed
which has proved suitable for coating
paper and plastic tape as well as
motion picture film. This powder
gives very good performance at tape
speeds of 8 inches per second and
satisfactory performance for speech
and music has been obtained on 35,
16, and 8 mm motion picture film.
Research has also continued on mag-
netic wire and optimum magnetic
characteristics for 0.004 mil wire
have been established.
A sizeable program has also been
in progress on the design of recording
heads for round and flat wire, flat
tape, magnetic coatings on motion
picture film, and electroplated films
on metal bases. Suitable magnetic
drive systems and electronic drive
systems for use with these recording
media and heads have also been de-
signed.
A good quality magnetic recorder
has recently been completed to dem-
onstrate the Foundation's develop-
ments in the field of magnetic tape
recording. In this machine the tape
is driven at 8 inches per second and
very satisfactory quality for both
speech and music is obtained.
Experimental machines have also
been built for showing the perform-
ance of magnetic sound on 35, 16,
and 8 mm motion picture film. Dem-
onstrations of these machines have
been given at a number of technical
society meetings and a number of
papers have been presented on mag-
netic sound from motion pictures as
well as on our other phases of mag-
netic recording research.
The study of magnetic recording
phenomena has necessitated the de-
sign and construction of specialized
laboratory instruments. Among these
(Please turn to page 60)
IT'S GOOD BUSINESS
TO DO BUSINESS
WITH TBEBMOID
Why? Because Thermoid concen-
trates on a restricted line of prod-
ucts, related in manufacture and
in use, and maintains those prod-
ucts at top quality level.
Thermoid, as a firm, is large enough to
be thoroughly dependable, yet small
enough to be sensitive to the day-
to-day problems of its customers.
Engineers depend on Thermoid to
always furnish well made INDUS-
TRIAL BRAKE LININGS and
FRICTION PRODUCTS, TRANS-
MISSION BELTING. LIGHT DUTY
and MULTIPLE V-BELTS and
DRIVES, CONVEYOR and ELEVA-
TOR BELTING, WRAPPED and
MOLDED HOSE.
// catalogs on any of these lines
would be helpful in your studies,
we'll be glad to furnish them.
Thermoiu
Products
BETTER
TOOLS
FOR BETTER
WORK
Micrometers
Rules
Combination Squares
Bevel Protractors
Straight Edges
Squares
Vernier Tools
Gages
Dial Test Indicators
Speed Indicators
V Blocks
Calipers and Dividers
^1
BROWN & SHARPE
TOOLS
MARCH, 1948
59
(Continued from page 59)
is a 60 cycle hysteresis loop tracer
which permits measurements of mag-
netic characteristics of various types
of recording media with good ac-
curacy. This instrument presents the
hysteresis loop on the screen of a
cathode ray tube. During the past
year modifications have been made
to improve this instrument, principal-
ly increasing the magnetizing field
to which the sample is subjected.
Public Service Activities
(It is the general public that bene-
fits directly from the research spon-
sored in the Foundation laboratories
by the various companies, organiza-
tions and government agencies. Rec-
ognizing its responsibility as a public
service institution, the Foundation
has continued to expand its special
service laboratories and to broaden
its services to the public.)
AC Network
Calculator Laboratory
For more than two years, this lab-
oratory has served very successfully
the utilities and electrical manufac-
turing companies of the midwest.
During this past year, the calculator
was in use 238 days, with 12 days
reserved for maintenance and ex-
tension of the facilities. Participating
companies used the calculator for
214 days, with non-participating
companies using it 24 days.
Seventeen participating companies
originally financed the installation
and operation of the network cal-
culator. Two new companies have
been added to the number of par-
ticipating companies using the net-
work calculator, increasing to 19 the
number of participating companies.
Two full-time operating engineers
are employed to assist in the studies.
The calculator laboratory has gained
national attention and has recently
been used for graduate instruction
under a Fellowship plan provided
by industry. An excellent group of
graduate students in the power sys-
tems field has been attracted to the
laboratory.
Equipment for the transient analy-
sis of power systems is now being
added. A recording table invented
and designed by a former Founda-
tion staff member has contributed
greatly to the accuracy of the board
and to the speed of recording data.
Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories
On February 1, 1947, the Founda-
tion assumed management of the
Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories
at Geneva, 111. These laboratories
provide an important extension of
our facilities with additional equip-
ment for studying sound transmis-
sion of windows, doors, walls; equip-
ment for hearing aid and audiometer
research and development; and a
good reverberation chamber.
During the final six months of this
fiscal year, 96 studies were conducted
for companies manufacturing acous-
tical equipment and materials.
Precision Gage Laboratory
This laboratory, operated before
the war by the Foundation, and
maintained and augmented during
the recent war years by the Ord-
nance Department of the United
States Army, is again in operation.
Housed in a specially constructed
air-conditioned and constant tem-
perature section of the Engineering
Research building, it continues to
serve the tool, gage, and metal fab-
ricating industry. Operated as one of
a number of special service labora-
tories of the Foundation under the
Armour Plan for Industrial Re-
search, the facilities of this laboratory
are being used by industry for the
convenient calibration of precision
measuring standards, instruments
and manufactured components.
A course in precision mechanical
measurements offered this fall makes
this laboratory doubly useful to in-
dustry, Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology, and Armour Research Foun-
dation.
National Registry of
Rare Chemicals
First established in 1942, the Na-
tional Registry of Rare Chemicals
continues to render an outstanding
service. More than 5,000 inquiries
for information on rare chemicals
were received during the past fiscal
year. We were able to fill more than
two-thirds of these requests from our
own files.
Source data on approximately
2,000 new chemicals were added to
the files, bringing the total number
of chemical compounds listed in the
files to 10,500.
Ohmite Laboratory of Precision
Electric and Magnetic
Measurements
The original contribution from
the Ohmite Manufacturing Com-
pany and additional support from
general Foundation funds have de-
veloped this laboratory to a position
unexcelled by any non-governmental
laboratory in this country. This lab-
oratory is serving a very useful func-
tion to the Foundation, to Illinois
Institute of Technology, and to in-
dustry in this area.
Seven industrial sponsors made
use of the laboratory during the past
year and graduate instruction in pre-
cision measurements was provided
for students at Illinois Institute of
Technology.
Industrial Research Fellowships
During the past year the Founda-
tion established a number of In-
dustrial Research Fellowships which
provide the recipients with training
in the techniques and procedures of
industrial research, and a graduate
educational program which would
lead, upon successful completion, to
the degree of master of science in
the field of major specification at
(Please turn to page 62)
60
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Lots of people like to play jack rabbit. Still, as a way of
going to work every morning, we don't see much of a
future for Pogo Sticks. Not even aluminum Pogo Sticks.
But mention any other means of locomotion or trans-
portation and our aluminum "Imagineers" get a gleam
in their eyes. After all, what is more logical than
vehicles made of aluminum? Less weight to move.
More payload.
We turned our imagination loose on that idea years
ago then engineered our thinking into trains, trucks,
planes, ships. Alcoa's Development Division has a staff
of "Imagineers" who think of nothing else but better
ways to transport people, products, and materials by
using aluminum. Actually, we have four separate staffs
of transportation engineers, one each on railroads, high-
way vehicles, ships and aircraft.
Whatever you do after college, you'll benefit from
that. If you go into transportation, these Alcoa engi-
neers will be working with you to cut costs, speed
schedules, improve facihties. Or if you choose some
field of production, they'll be helping to transport
your materials and finished goods cheaper and faster.
Aluminum Company of America, Gulf Building,
Pittsburgh 19, Pennsylvania.
Passenger streamliners, refriger-
ator cars, hopper cars and tank
cars built of Alcoa Aluminum are
serving American railroads.
Alcoa Aluminum is finding more
and more uses in buses, trucks
and trailers. Yes, in passenger
car manufacture, too.
Newest thing in shipbuilding is
the aluminum superstructure, de-
veloped by Alcoa with marine
architects and engineers.
Ever since Kitty Hawk, Alcoa has
worked with the aircraft indus-
try in developing better alumi-
num for better planes.
atL(§®a
first in ALUMI NUM
MARCH, 1948
61
(Continued from page 60)
Illinois Institute of Technology.
These research internships are
unique in that they provide experi-
ence in our laboratories on actual
existing research problems as well
as graduate instruction and graduate
research.
Five appointments were made
during the past year, and there is
every indication that this program
will develop especially well qualified
men for the research laboratories of
industry and for our own labora-
tories.
Crystallographic Studies
In connection with a fundamental
research project designed to study
the crystallographic structure of or-
ganic compounds, the Foundation
plans to expand this study and make
available a system for the checking
of data from other laboratories which
will be collected, checked, edited and
published.
Eighteen additional compounds
were studied this past year to de-
termine the physical properties of
common important organic com-
pounds, including a summary of the
literature, solubility and crystal
habit, polymorphism, crystal geom-
etry, crystal optics and application of
fusion methods.
Illumination Laboratories
The Physics Research department
of the Foundation continued to op-
erate the Illumination Laboratory at
Glesner House. This laboratory was
of considerable value in connection
with numerous research projects and
studies and also served for educa-
tional purposes in connection with
the academic program of the Chi-
cago Lighting Institute and Illinois
Institute of Technology.
It is expected that the usefulness
and value of this laboratory will in-
crease in the near future when its
facilities are moved to the Tech-
nology Center campus.
Engine Research Laboratory
Nationwide recognition has been
accorded this neutral laboratory in
the field of lubricants, fuels and in-
ternal combustion engines. The addi-
tion of considerable new equipment
and the rearrangement of its facil-
ities has greatly enhanced its value.
The year has been marked by a
rapid increase in the volume of re-
search studies.
Dust Analysis Laboratory
Maintained largely for the Smoke
Department of the City of Chicago,
this laboratory has continued dur-
ing the year to render an outstand-
ing public service by providing a
monthly analysis of dust from 24
stations in Chicago. These studies
are part of the Chicago Smoke
Abatement Program.
Management of Research Seminar
More than 100 research executives
from the Chicago area attended this
(Please turn to page 64)
Pipe line
to the Stratosphere
Up in a stratosphere plane you'd breathe oxygen
from a tank . . . oxygen extracted from liquefied air.
Processing equipment in which the extraction
takes place calls for something extraordinary in
the way of tubing.
Ordinary steel tubes get hazardously brittle in
the 315-below-zero temperature the extraction
process demands — crack like a crisp carrot. Better,
safer, tubes were needed. Industry got them —
from B&W — tubes made of new nickel-alloy steels.
B&^ calls these new tubes Nicloys. In refriger-
ation, in making synthetic rubber, in handling
natural gas and strongly corrosive crude oils, in
THE BABC0CK& WILCOX TUBE CO.
62
paper mills, industry is finding that Nicloy tubes
answer many tough problems.
Development of Nicloy tubing is another
manifestation that, for all its years, B&W has
never lost the habit of having new ideas for all
industries.
To technical graduates, B&W offers excellent
career opportunities in diversified phases of manu-
facturing, engineering, research, and sales.
Main Office: Beaver Falls, Pa.
Plants: Beaver Falls, Pa. & Alliance, Ohio.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
GLASS SURE MAKES BETTER COFFEE !"
Thousands of families say
their next coffee-maker will
be glass. Why? Because they
like their coffee just right!
Glass lets you see and control the strength
of the brew. Glass never alters flavor, even
when coffee stands and is reheated through-
out the day in your home or in a restaurant.
And you can see at a glance when a glass
coffee-maker is clean... so your next brew
will be as rich and amber-clear as the first.
There are five excellent glass coffee-
makers on the market today. And everyone
of them uses Pyrex brand glass parts made
by Corning. The reason? Because Corning
makes these glass parts to close tolerances,
with proper sidewall thickness, of uniform
high quality. And Corning makes glass that
can stand heat and cold without breaking.
Everybody benefits today from Coming's
knowledge of glass. You get a better cup of
coffee. Better food cooked in Pyrex ware.
Better soup processed in Corning glass pip-
ing. Better vitamins extracted with Corning
laboratory ware. Better light from bulbs and
luminous tubes made from Coming's glass.
In all, Corning makes about 37,000 items
in glass. Many of them have been applied in
fields once held by other materials. Glass
gets into new jobs because Corning uses it
as a material of unbounded possibilities.
Perhaps some day, in the business you select,
glass will be able to cut costs, improve pro-
cesses, or add to the saleability of your
product. That's the time to remember us.
Corning Glass Works, Corning, N. Y.
IN PYREX WARE AND OTHER CONSUMER, TECHNICAL AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS ►
UORNING
m eans
Research in Glass
MARCH, 1948
63
(Continued from page 62)
one semester seminar course in the
problems of research management.
The seminar was given in coopera-
tion with Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology and received considerable na-
tionwide recognition. A number of
men prominent in the research man-
agement field served as leaders of
the seminar. It is expected that this
course, or an extension of it, will be
given again within the near future.
Foundation Sponsored
Research
(The maintenance of a funda-
mental research program is of great-
est importance in the technical and
professional development of the staff.
During the past year, 27 fundamental
research projects were sponsored by
the Foundation from its general
funds. Most of the results of the
Foundation sponsored projects, ab-
stracted and published in this report,
have been or will be published or
announced in scientific meetings.)
Abrasion Resistance
Foundation sponsored work has
been carried out as a supplement to
industrially sponsored projects deal-
ing with abrasion testing research.
Metallographic and microhardness
studies have been made of various
abrasion resisting alloys in order to
obtain a deeper understanding of the
nature of abrasion obtained with dif-
ferent types of abrasives. Tests have
been made with crushed feldspar,
cast iron grit, crushed quartz, and
silicon carbide.
Bomb Tests and Photographs
This project was established for
the purpose of making a fundamental
study of various phenomena associ-
ated with the "Munroe Effect" in the
detonation of shaped charges. Dur-
ing the current year studies have
been made on an additional 132
bombs at Camp McCoy, Wis., with
particular investigation of the follow-
ing:
(a) Penetration phenomena —
Penetrations up to more than 20
inches of steel have been obtained
64
and sections of specimens and photo-
graphs made.
(b) Seismic waves set up by
means of a shape charge — This work,
in conjunction with the seismic work
in the Antarctic, has given rise to a
method of utilizing the shaped
charge for the purpose of eliminating
the drilling of holes for the explosive
charges in geophysical seismic opera-
tions. The superiority made possible
in interpreting records produced as
well as reduced costs and time con-
sumed in prospecting for oils, has
elicited the keen interest of oil com-
panies.
(c) The deceleration of the jet
material by means of the Mock angle
and the resultant curvature of the
shock wave — This is a new method
of measuring deceleration of fast-
moving materials, and it is the first
time that the deceleration of the
Munroe jet has been measured.
Chemical Analysis by
Nuclear Induction
Work has been started on the de-
velopment of equipment and tech-
niques utilizing nuclear magnetic
resonance effects as a means of mak-
ing instantaneous chemical analyses.
The sample to be analyzed is sub-
jected to varying frequency radio
excitation while in a strong magnetic
field. The elements are identified by
resonant absorption frequencies.
Crystallographic Studies
Eighteen additional compounds
have been studied in the past 12
months in the program of determin-
ing the physical properties of com-
mon important organic compounds.
The following outline is covered
for each compound: summary of the
literature, solubility and crystal habit,
polymorphism, crystal geometry,
crystal optics, and the application of
fusion methods.
The compounds covered were:
Pyrogallol, Pyrocatechol, p-Phenylene Diamine,
Hydroquinone, p-Methyl aminophenol Sulfate.
Semicarbazide Hydrochloride. Diphenyl Aceta-
mide, Dicyandiamide, Thiourea, Azobenzene, The-
obromine, Theobromine Hydrochloride, Uracil,
1, 3, S-Tri-p-chlorophenylbenzene, 1, 3, S-Tri-p-
fluorophenylbenzene, alpha-Pyridine Sulfonic
Acid, beta-Pyridine Sulfonic Acid, and gamma-
Pyridine Sulfonic Acid.
Future plans include the organ-
ization of a system whereby crystal-
lographic data from other labora-
tories as well will be collected,
checked, edited, and published. A
number of crystallographers have in-
dicated their willingness to cooperate
in such a project.
A second paper has been written
on the Kinetics of Crystal Growth.
This work will be continued to in-
crease our knowledge of the mechan-
ism of crystal growth and to develop
analytical methods based on meas-
ured rates of growth.
A paper is in preparation cover-
ing the phenomenon of boundary
migration and recrystallization of
pure solid phases. Several additional
compounds showing this effect have
been found.
Diffusion in Alloys
A project is set up to study the
diffusion rates of metals using a
thickness tester developed at the
Foundation.
Extreme Pressure
This project includes several dif-
ferent programs in the field of mod-
erate and extreme pressure phenom-
ena. Numerous extreme pressure
techniques and new types of extreme
pressure equipment have been de-
veloped for the fundamental study
of these pressures upon physical and
chemical properties of matter, and
the facilities in the high pressure lab-
oratory have been greatly expanded.
(a) Cavitation and the magneto-
striction oscillator — The Foundation
is cooperating with Dr. H. Neckles
of Michael Reese Hospital in using
the magneto-striction oscillator to
produce hemolysis in blocd. Excel-
lent progress is being made in this
work.
(b) The development of an ex-
treme pressure method of determin-
ing the hardness of materials under
pressure — In addition to solidifica-
tion pressure method for identifying
the crude from which an oil is pro-
duced, an extrusion pressure method
has been developed for determining
(Please turn to page 66)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
PLAYTIME...for GREGORY PECK, and You!
Whether it's Gregory peck, loafing at home after a
day at the studio-or you, in your own playtime mo-
ments-both will find Pabst Blue Ribbon always a pleas-
ant, friendly companion.
That ever-faithful, real beer flavor you enjoy in Pabst
Blue Ribbon was achieved by 104 years of pioneering in
the Art of Brewing ... and the Science of Blending.
By tasting, by comparing, you will understand why mil-
lions the world over have settled down to the real beer
enjoyment and satisfaction that come only with blended,
splendid Pabst Blue Ribbon.
33 FINE BREWS BLENDED INTO ONE GREAT BEER
MARCH, 1948
Blue Ribbon
Tune in the EDDIE CANTOR show
every Thursday night over NBC.
, Milwaukee. Wl«.
65
(Continued from page 64)
the hardness of solidified liquids up
to that of metallic copper.
(c) Liquid tensions — Preliminary
studies have been started in the in-
vestigation of liquid tensions in which
actual tensions of as much as 15,000
psi have been developed in a column
of oil V2 inch in diameter and 10
inches long. It is believed that this
work will lead to a better under-
standing of the fundamental nature
of liquids.
(d) Phase Diagram — Consider-
able progress has been made in
phase diagram studies of several ma-
terials under extreme pressure.
(e) Pressure Windows — A meth-
od has been developed for mounting
pressure windows to withstand ex-
plosion pressures of 100,000 psi and
further development is now being
sponsored on a government contract
for application to a government con-
tract. However, development has
been made in the use of pressure
windows for pressures up to 500,000
psi.
(f) Special high pressure bombs
— Much progress has been made on
the design and construction of a very
high pressure bomb for working at
pressures in excess of 1.000,000 psi
and at elevated temperatures. The
basic design is so novel and con-
veniently adaptable to a wide range
of operating conditions and different
processes that it has wide com-
mercial possibilities as well as sci-
entific merit.
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in
Artificially Roughened Pipes
The objective of this fundamental
research program is to clarify and
increase the knowledge of heat trans-
fer and fluid flow through artificially
roughened pipes by systematic meas-
urements of velocity distributions,
pressure drops, heat transfer, tem-
peratures, and roughness character-
istics of the boundaries, for a wide
range of Reynold's numbers, pipe
sizes, and types of accurately repro-
ducible roughnesses. In amplification
of the work of Nicuradse, who used
sand roughened pipe interiors, under
the present program, geometrical
roughnesses will be investigated,
which are generated by cutting spiral
grooves of quadratic cross -section
into the inside of four-inch pipes.
Geometrically similar roughnesses
will be tested.
Fundamental Mechanics Research
The object of this project is the
study of the effects of tri-axial
stresses on failure of material and in
partciular to evaluate the influence
of the intermediate principle stresses.
Evaluation of the effect of embrittle-
ment will be made by temperature
control.
A type of material, new to the field
of stress studies, has been developed
and found satisfactory for providing
specimens which permit controlled
tri-axial testing conditions. Testing
procedure and equipment are in the
process of development and con-
struction.
Fundamental Research in
Ferromagnetism
More information concerning the
relation between domain structure
and the magnetic properties of fer-
romagnetic materials is needed to
resolve apparent contradictions be-
tween theory and experiment. Hence,
attempts are being made to develop
experimental techniques for making
microscopic studies of domains at
the surface of a ferromagnetic speci-
men. Empirical studies of the math-
ematical form of normal and cyclic
B-H curves is also being carried on
with the hope of correlating the re-
sults with other magnetic properties
of ferromagnetic materials.
Hardenability Tests
This project is intended to de-
termine the base hardenability of
pure iron and carbon alloys as a
means of predicting the effect of
alloying elements.
Heat Transfer
This project is to determine (a)
heat transfer between a coiled tube
and a liquid flowing therein, and (b)
the influence of the properties of a
liquid and the dimensions of a flat
plate on the heat transfer by free
convection from a horizontal plate
to a liquid. A paper is in preparation
on the first part of this program and
equipment is being assembled on the
latter part.
High K Materials
Recently developed ceramic ma-
terials have dielectric constants up
to several thousand and high dielec-
tric strength, with resulting high
energy storage per unit volume. In
this project these materials are being
studied to determine their applicabil-
ity to the field of electrical engineer-
ing for uses such as electrostatic
generators or motors, electrostatic
sound recording, microphone and
phonograph pick-ups, loud speakers,
and electrostatic measuring instru-
ments.
Magnesium Alloys
A method of determining alumi-
num in magnesium alloys has been
devised consisting mainly of dissolv-
ing a sample in HCL to which NH,C1
is added, adjusting the pH to a crit-
ical value of 3.37, and titrating the
sample using NH,OH until a second
critical pH of 5.37 is reached. These
pH values represent the beginning
and end of the precipitation of alumi-
num hydroxide. The amount of
NH 4 OH is related quantitatively to
the stoichiometric amount of alumi-
num present.
The method requires about
25 minutes and is accurate to at least
± 3 per cent of the measured value.
The range of percentage which may
be analyzed by this method is 0-12
per cent aluminum.
Materials for
Magneto-Strictive Oscillators
Two completely new and different
types of materials have been con-
ceived by members of the Electrical
Engineering Department of A.R.F.
for use as elements in magneto-
striction oscillators. So far, only pre-
liminary tests which have been made
on these materials, indicate that they
will give improved performance in
66
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
the high frequency range, and that
certain components for magneto-
striction devices to be used at high
frequencies can be simplified in fab-
rication by their use.
Parmly Anechoic Chamber
The Foundation has sponsored a
project to measure the performance
of the anechoic (echo-less) chamber
of the Parmly Laboratory for Audi-
tory Research. Development of spe-
cial sound sources and of unusual
measuring techniques were neces-
sary. The inverse square law was
measured from 60-24,000 cycles and
the effect of the proximity of the
wedge-shaped acoustic treatment on
the sound radiation of a loudspeaker
was obtained. Data were also taken
on the sound transmission of the
walls. The performance of the room
was found to be excellent for the
kind of measurements for which it
had been constructed.
Residual Stresses
This research consisted of an at-
tempt to determine residual or
locked-in stresses in steel plates and
structural steel members by applica-
tions of the magneto-striction effect.
The method, though theoretically
sound, was found to be subject to
large errors due to hysteresis effects
in the steel.
Solidification Under Pressure
This project is to determine the
effect of pressure on transformation
of steel.
Use of the Betatron
Arrangements were made for our
use of the Betatron in Rock Island
Arsenal, and several different inves-
tigations have been undertaken:
(a) The effect of the radiation of
the Betatron on magnetically re-
corded records.
(b) The possible use of the Beta-
tron for obtaining penetration and
moving picture records of small arms
mechanism.
(c) The effect of such radiation
in the genetic study of some living
organisms.
MARCH, 1948
(d) The use of the Betatron for with the results obtained in other
metallographic penetration studies. competent laboratories.
Torque Meter
A compact, accurate, and reliable
torquemeter, operating on a new
principle, magnetostriction, has been
developed and units are now under
construction for industry at Armour
Research Foundation.
Tests made on stationary and ro-
tating shafts have conclusively veri-
fied the theoretical predictions. The
test program included tests on tem-
perature sensitivity, various methods
of improving torque-sensitivity of
surface films of power shafts, simpli-
fication of electronic circuit, and re-
duction in size of all parts. As a
result of this program, better alloys
have been found, and improved pick-
ups and circuits were developed.
Two additional patent applications
were filed and arrangements for
commercialization are under way.
Transformation Curves for
18-8 Stainless Steels
This project is to determine iso-
thermal transformations in a new
type precipitation -hardening stain-
less steel. The phase changes are
followed by changes in the resistivity
of the specimens. A special furnace
has been built to maintain constant
temperature over the length of the
specimen during the isothermal
treatment. The specimen is heated
for solution treatment by an alter-
nating current and the temperature
is determined by thermocouples. The
equipment has been built, and runs
at several temperatures have been
made.
Transformer Insulation
An investigation was made of the
factors influencing the aging of trans-
former insulation in parallel with
similar investigations in other lab-
oratories. The result of these investi-
gations was submitted as a report to
the American Institute of Electrical
Engineers by the Subcommittee on
Transformer Insulation. The tests,
now completed, checked excellently
Vacuum Treatment of Metal
The effect of treating molten
alloys with moderate vacua for vari-
ous lengths of time is to be studied
under this project.
Midwest Power
Conference
(Continued from page 23)
(a) Telemetering of Power, Reactive
Power, and Similar Quantities. Na-
than Cohn, District Manager, Tech-
nical Division, Leeds and Northrup
Co., Chicago.
(b) Telemetering Channels. R. J. Don-
aldson, Commonwealth Edison Co.,
Chicago.
(c) Supervisory Control. A. P. Peterson,
President, Control Corporation,
Minneapolis.
Speakers: S. M. Dean, Chief Engi-
neer of the System, Detroit Edison
Co.
Henry T. Heald, President, Illinois
' Institute of Technology.
2:00 P. M. Supervisory Control and
Telemetering. Chairman: E. H.
Schulz, Armour Research Founda-
tion of Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology.
3:30 P. M. The Gas Turbine. Chair-
man: John T. Rettaliata, Illinois
Institute of Technology.
(a) Progress Report on the Coal-Burn-
ing Gas Turbine. J. I. Yellott, Direc-
tor of Research, and C. F. Kottcamp,
Ass't. to the Director, Locomotive
Development Committee, Balti-
more.
(b) Why So Many Gas Turbine Cycles?
L. N. Rowley, Managing Editor, and
B. G. A. Skrotzki, Associate Editor,
POWER, New York.
(c) Operation and Test Experience with
an Experimental 2000-hp Gas Tur-
bine. T. J. Putz, Westinghouse Elec-
tric Corp., Philadelphia.
3:30 P. M. Conductors. Chairman:
K. W. Miller, Armour Research
Foundation of Illinois Institute of
Technology.
(a) Development of Requirements for
Copper Wire Connections. Frank E.
Sanford, Director of Research, Cop-
per Wire Engineering Association,
Chicago.
(b) Synthetic Rubbers and Resins as In-
sulation for Wires and Cables. J. T.
Blake, Director of Research, Sim-
plex Wire and Cable Co., Cam-
bridge, Mass.
67
Vocational Interests
(Continued from page 25)
in preparation for quite varied voca-
tional careers. We know that gradu-
ates of this department enter such
different kinds of work as sales and
engineering, and it may be presumed
that the students enter the depart-
ment with different goals in mind.
In order to carry this investigation
further, it was decided to compare
the fire protection freshmen with a
number of the alumni. With the co-
operation of Professor John J. Ahern,
chairman of the department of fire
protection engineering, the Prefer-
ence Record was sent to nearly 300
alumni of the fire protection depart-
ment who had indicated an interest
in the study. Approximately 150
have returned the inventory, and
their results may be compared with
those of the students. The respective
profiles of these two groups are
shown in Figure 4.
When one compares the scores of
the fire protection students with the
scores of alumni still in fire protec-
tion work, certain differences in in-
terest become apparent. The alumni
show a greater interest in mechani-
cal, persuasive, and social service
activities, and considerably less in-
terest than the students in computa-
tional, scientific, or clerical activities.
Other differences shown on the pro-
files are insignificant.
A small number of the alumni in-
dicated that they are not now en-
gaged in fire protection work, but
have entered other types of activity.
Although this number is small, the
interest patterns of this group were
compared with the alumni still ac-
tive in fire protection. The profiles
of the two groups, shown in Figure 5,
indicate very striking differences in
preference. Those alumni who are
no longer in fire protection work
exhibit much greater interest in
computational, literary, musical, and
clerical activities, and much less in-
terest in mechanical and scientific
activities. Almost exactly the same
differences are found when this group
is compared with the freshmen stu-
MEC.
com
SCI.
PER.
ART.
LIT.
MOS.
SOC.
CLE.
-
A
A
A
A
IA
/
\^
1
^/
V
'\
\
-
1
\l
V
V -
/
"
-
-
—
p.p.
Alumi
P.P
:. Fr«
E. K
Figure 6. Percentile ranks of mean
Preference Record scores of fire
protection engineering freshmen
and alumni no longer in fire protec-
tion engineer work.
dents, as shown in Figure 6. The
alumni no longer in fire protection
work are less interested in mechani-
cal and scientfic activities, and more
interested in computational, literary,
and musical activties. They are also
more interested in persuasive and
social service activities than are the
freshmen. Whether still in fire pro-
tection work or not, the fire protec-
tion engineering alumni are more
interested in persuasive and social
service activities, and less interested
in scientific activities, than the fresh-
man fire protection engineering stu-
dent.
The alumni who are now in fire
protection engineering work also
indicated whether their work is
primarily sales, administrative or
engineering in nature. The scores of
these three sub-groups are shown in
Figure 7. It is apparent that these
three groups differ quite widely be-
tween themselves, and that they are
quite different in some respects from
the freshmen.
Although all three of the groups
are higher in persuasive interest than
the student group, the salesmen are
much higher in this trait than the
other two. Both the sales and the
engineer alumni groups have higher
social service interests than the stu-
dents or the administrators, and also
lower computational and clerical
scores. In mechanical interest the
sales alumni do not differ signifi-
cantly from the students, but the
administrators are considerably high-
er, and the engineering group is still
higher.
In short, the average freshman
student in fire protection engineer-
ing, less scientific in interest than
other student engineering groups at
Illinois Institute of Technology, and
MEC.
ecu
SCI.
PER.
ART.
LIT.
■US.
SOC.
CLE.
A
-
l\
-
" \
/
A
A
A
6
\
A
- v
sf
^7
^\
-
\/
\\4
'-J
-
^
v -
-
V
-
-
—
Sale
Engl
noorl
atlon
r>g
Figure 7. Percentile ranks of mean
Preference Record scores of fire
protection engineering alumni now
in sales, engineering or administra-
tion.
5S
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
with no really strong preferences for
any of the areas measured, is most
clearly interested in working with
figures and with people. The alum-
nus who is now in sales work is no
more scientific in interest than the
student, but has a much greater in-
terest in working with people, and a
greater interest in work which is of
benefit to others. The alumnus now
in engineering work has a greater
interest in working with people, and
a strong interest in work which will
be of benefit to others. Although
apparently no more scientific in in-
terest than any of the other groups,
he has much stronger interest in
work which concerns machines and
mechanical activities.
The alumni-administrator group
differs the least from the average
fire protection engineering freshman,
showing only somewhat higher inter-
est in mechanical activities and those
requiring direct verbal contact with
others.
1940
1930
1920
1910
\
\
"
.
\
"
-
\.^
\
-
-
\
-
"
"
"
"
"
■
Sales
Adminlsti
Engineer)
ng
1940
1950
1920
1910
■
-
-
s
-
^~'
-
-
X""^
/
-"'
/
^/"'
-
/
-
■
-
■
Sales
Admlnlst
teglneer
ration
lng
do not obtain managerial responsi-
bilities until after a period of em-
ployment in other capacities.
For each of the alumni groups the
scores were arranged in order of the
date of graduation, and arbitrarily
classified by four dates: those who
had graduated between 1910 and
1919, 1920 and 1929, 1930 and 1939,
and since 1940.
The literary, artistic, and musical
scores on the Preference Record are
constant for all alumni groups, and
do not differ greatly from the student
scores. The computational and cleri-
cal interests differ from the scores
of the students, as shown above, but,
with one exception, do not show any
trends within the three groups. The
exception is the rating on clerical
interest of the alumni now in sales
work; here there is found a steady
rise in clerical interest the longer the
individual has been a graduate.
(Please turn to page 70)
Figure 8. Relation of mechanical
interest to date of graduation.
Figure 9. Relation of scientific in-
terest to date of graduation.
In attempting to evaluate these
results in order to use them more
effectively in the guidance of stu-
dents, there arises the problem of
determining whether the alumni en-
tered sales or engineering because
they were the kinds of persons indi-
cated by these scores, or whether
they developed these interests as a
result of the type of work which they
were doing.
Although the groups are too small
to permit definite conclusions, we
felt that some evidence on this point
might be obtained by comparing the
scores of the alumni who had been
employed for varying periods of time.
Here it was necessary to depend upon
the date of graduation as an indica-
tion of the length of employment in
these fields. This is probably suffi-
ciently accurate for the sales and
engineering groups, but it is prob-
ably not accurate for the adminis-
trator's group because most people
1940
1930
1920
1910
-
,,'
y
-
-
^
S
^>
v
•
,.
-
-
-
~
"
-
-
- Admlnlat
"6
Figure 10.
interest to
Relations of persuasive
date of graduation.
MARCH, 1948
69
(Continued horn page 69)
The changes in score on mechan-
ical interest are shown in Figure 8.
The sales group shows only minor
and unimportant changes in this
score, but both the administrators
and the engineers exhibit definite
changes. The engineers indicate a
marked increase in mechanical in-
terest, while the administrators show
an equally sharp decrease in such
activities.
The engineers show a steady in-
crease in interest in scientific activ-
ities, as shown in Figure 9. The dif-
ferences found for the administrators
do not reflect a consistent change.
The scores of the sales groups, how-
ever, seem to indicate some trend
toward an increase in scientific ac-
tivities.
Changes in scores in persuasive
interest are shown in Figure 10. In
all three of the age groups the sales-
men have exceptionally high per-
Prinring
LETTERHEADS
To business correspondents who do not
know you personally, or who have not
seen your place of business, your letter-
head reflects tne personality of your firm
FRflNB W. DlQCk & Compare
432 South Dearborn • Chicago
dPeticrleacl cftylish
GINN and COMPANY
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS
2301-2311 Prairie Avenue
Chicago 16, Illinois
WALLACE
DON
HAMILTON BROS.
Real Estate
CHESTER
CHARLES
suasive scores. The engineers begin
with lower scores than either the
salesmen or administrators, and show
a declining trend the longer they
have been graduated. The adminis-
trators show a sharp and steady de-
crease in such interests.
Figure 11 shows the changes
found in social service interest. The
administrators are low at all age
levels, but both salesmen and engi-
neers show a steady increase, with
the rate of increase somewhat
sharper for the salesmen than for the
engineer.
Recognizing again that the results
must not be considered too definite
because of the small numbers in-
volved, it may nevertheless be pos-
sible to draw some tentative con-
clusions from these data. It seems at
once apparent that the freshman stu-
dents in fire protection engineering
are a more heterogeneous group than
the students in other departments.
Those students who continue in fire
protection work tend to enter one
of two rather different types of ac-
tivity, sales or engineering, although
the sales work in this field is fre-
quently closely related to engineer-
ing. About one-third of them may
look forward to administrative re-
sponsibilities beginning ten years
after graduation.
Those with very high persuasive,
and very low scientific and social
service scores tend to enter sales;
Specialists with over 25 years
experience in
Manufacture and Design of
Precision Products
Capacity — 1/16" to 2%"
ALL METALS
(jeneralSngineeringWorks
4707 W. Division Street ■ Chicago, St
Telephone Mansfield 2866
1940
1930
1920
1910
"
"
/
S
-
/
X
r
-
-
/ *~
~~^^
—
- /
-
"
"
Sales
Administration
Engineering
Figure 1 1 . Relation of social service
interest to date of graduation.
those with high mechanical, scien-
tific, and social service scores, and
low persuasive scores, tend to enter
engineering activities. Those with
high computational, literary, musical,
and clerical interests, and low me-
chanical and scientific interests, tend
to leave the fire protection field to
enter other occupations.
From these results it also appears
that those who later achieve admin-
istrative responsibility quite quickly
approach the average in each of the
interest areas measured. One indi-
vidual who has examined these data
interepreted this to mean that ad-
ministrators are not interested in
anything. We feel that a better in-
terpretation is that the administrator
has broad responsibilities, and that
his interests are thus necessarily less
sharply differentiated between one
area and another. An additional pos-
sibility, of course, is that managerial
interests take a form not measured
by the Preference Record.
70
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
MAY, 1948
IT TAKES EXPERIENCE TO SKIM THE SURF AT
j&
and Champion
^NCE STILLY
agrees that
in cigarettes too-
^EXPERIENCE
laTHEBEST
TCACHERl"
[ENCE TO SKIM THE SURF AT /2 /
THE TZONE"
T for Taste...
T for Throat...
your final
proving ground
for any
cigarette
Zone tell you why
More people are smoking;
Camels than ever before !
• Now that people can get all the cigarettes they want
. . . any brand . . . now that they once again can choose
their cigarette on a basis of personal preference . . . more
people are smoking Camels than ever before.
Why? The answer is in your "T-Zone"' (T for Taste
and T for Throat I . Let your taste . . . your throat . . .
tell you why. with smokers who have tried and com-
pared. Camels are the "choice of experience 7 '!
CW/CE OF £XP£&/£A/C£/
According to a
Nationwide survey:
MORE DOCTORS
/ SMOKE CAMELS
THAN ANY OTHER
CIGARETTE
When 1 1 3.597 doctors from roast
to coast were asked by three
independent research organiza-
tions to name the cigarette they
smoked, m,
Camel than
iv other brand!
Contributors . . .
Alfred C. Ames is assistant pro-
fessor of English at Illinois Tech. He
received his bachelor's degree at the
University of Kansas and his mas-
ter's and doctorate at the University
of Illinois. He taught at Illinois from
1937 until 1944, when he joined the
staff of Illinois Tech. Dr. Ames' ar-
ticles have been published in Poetry,
ETC.: A Review of General Seman-
tics, Modern Language Notes, and
the Journal of Engineering Educa-
tion. An earlier article by Dr. Ames,
"English at Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology: A Unique Situation", ap-
peared in the October, 1947, issue of
the Illinois Tech Engineer.
David Baker, a graduate of Illi-
nois Institute of Technology, is ar-
chitect for the electronics division,
bureau of ships, Navy department.
He received his B.S. degree at Illi-
nois Tech in 1938. Awarded a grad-
uated scholarship, he studied design
under Professor Ludwig Mies van
der Rohe in 1938 and 1939. He was
presented the American Institute of
Architects award for scholarship and
the Charles L. Mutchinson medal
for the highest record in architec-
tural design, and he received the
Kendall Graduate scholarship from
Harvard university in 1941. He was
awarded a master's degree at Har-
vard in 1942. Mr. Baker has been
engaged in various capacities with
leading architectural and engineer-
ing offices. He is the author of nu-
merous articles on architecture and
city planning and is an authority on
shore electronics stations and other
structures for the Navy department.
Jesse E. Hobson is now director
of the Stanford University Research
Institute. Until March 1 he was di-
rector of the Armour Research
Foundation of Illinois Institute of
Technology. A biographical sketch
of Dr. Hobson appears in the March,
1948, issue of the Illinois Tech
Engineer.
(Please turn to page 4)
COVER PICTURE— A model of
Illinois Tech's campus of tomorrow,
designed by Ludwig Mies van der
Rohe.
MAY, 1948
MAY, 1948
ILLINOIS TECH
ENGINEER
Jfn thii issue
RAMIE — AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM 6
By Frank M. MacFall
ALUMNI SUPPORT OF COLLEGES 8
By James F. Oaies, Jr.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT ILLINOIS TECH 10
By John F. White
THE FUTURE OF MATERIALISM 13
By B. S. Ramakrishna
TRENDS IN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH — II 14
By Jesse E. Hobson
TECHNICAL WORDS 17
By Alfred C. Ames
ARCHITECTURE FOR THE NEWEST
NAVAL COMMUNICATIONS STATION 18
By David Baker
JAMES W. ARMSEY, Editor
THELMA L. COLEMAN, Business Manager
Associate Editors
THEODORE A. DAUM FREDERICK W. JAUCH
Student Staff
SHERWOOD BENSON R. ROBERT LYDEN
BERTRAM A. COLBERT MACK McCLURE
WILLIAM B. FURLONG FRANK R. VALVODA
AARON L. ZOLOT
Published October, December, March and Ma,.
Subscription rates, $1.50 per year.
Editorial and Business Office, Illinois Institute of Technology,
3300 Federal St., Chicogo 76, Illinois.
For LUMBER
. or LUMBER PRODUCTS . .
Telephone Portsmouth 1411
SKIDS . . PALLETS
SPECIAL SHAPES .
. CABINETS . . TRAYS . . CRATES
FURNITURE . . WOOD FIXTURES .
AND BUILDING MATERIALS
. FRAMES . . BOXES . .
FULL LINE OF LUMBER
Specialists in Serving
Industrial Accounts
r£ M » E "
COMPANY
6601 So.CENTRAL Ave.
PORTSMOUTH r i -v,
1411 - m
(Continued from page 3)
Frank M. MacFall, research engi-
neer at Armour Research Founda-
tion of Illinois Institute of Technol-
ogy, has done considerable study and
research on the problems of ramie.
Before joining the staff of the Foun-
dation in February, 1947, he spent
two years with the department of
agriculture in Havana, Cuba, working
with soft and hard fibers. For two
years prior to that he had been with
the department's cotton ginning lab-
oratories in Stoneville, Miss. He was
graduated in Physics in 1929 at But-
ler university where he gained mem-
bership in Phi Kappa Phi, national
scholastic honorary. Before joining
the department of agriculture staff,
he was sales and service manager for
the General Electric X-Ray corpora-
tion, which was then located in Chi-
cago
lames F. Oates, Jr., prominent
Chicago attorney and civic leader,
received his A.B. degree at Prince-
ton in 1921. In 1924 he was grad-
uated from Northwestern law school
with a J.D. degree. He is chairman
of the board of the Peoples Gas
Light and Coke company of Chi-
cago, former chairman of the board
of trustees and still a board mem-
ber of George Williams college of
Chicago, and vice president and trus-
tee of Lake Forest academy, Lake
Forest, 111. Immediate past president
of the Chicago Bar association, he is
also a member of the Illinois and the
American Bar associations.
Basava Sri Ramakrishna is at
present working toward a doctorate
in physics at Illinois Institute of
Technology. Born in India 26 years
ago, he received his bachelor's de-
gree at M.R. College, Vizianagaram.
India, in 1941 and his master's at
Benares Hindu university in 1944.
He was a lecturer in physics at vari-
ous schools in his native country for
18 months. He arrived in the United
States in December, 1945, and at
Illinois Tech shortly after. He is also
serving as a research assistant in
fundamental mechanics research.
John F. White, dean of students
at Illinois Institute of Technology,
was graduated at Lawrence College
(Please turn to page 59)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
A
The Dow-developed Spe
schematic diagram stun
ialf,
tplified
n example of Dow research
This electronic and optical device, called the Direct-reading Spectrometer, is a Dow-developed
instrument which — using photoelectric tubes — measures the relative amounts of different metallic
constituents in a complex alloy.
A tribute to man's intelligence and industry, the Spectrometer was devised to obtain closer control
and more accurate analysis of the magnesium alloys used with such spectacular success in World
War II. For the past three years it has been used in the magnesium alloying plant to make many
thousands of measurements and recordings of the exact concentration of the several metals in an alloy.
An outstanding feature of the Spectrometer is its speed of operation. For instance, only thirty seconds
will have elapsed from the time two magnesium samples are locked into clamps and a spark passed
between them to start the operation, before an analysis can be determined from direct-reading,
rotating dials.
The entire operation is automatic and takes less than lOTc of the time required by the Spectro-
graph^ method of analysis, which in turn is many times faster than conventional chemical methods
of analvsis. This enormous saving of time enables a much closer and more nearly constant control
over melting, alloving and casting of magnesium.
This method eliminates the necessity for photographic and
developing equipment used in Spectrographs analysis, as well
as the opportunity for photographic error possible in the latter
method.
Here is another example of Dow research applied to production
methods. Such research is typical of all divisions of The Dow
Chemical Companv ... a company where intelligence and
industrv are held in high regard.
DOW
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY . MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
New York • Boston • Philadelphia • Washington • Cleveland • Detroit • Chicago • St. Louis
CHEMICALS INDISPENSABLE
TO INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE
MAY, 1948
RAMIE-
an
Age-Old Problem
by FRANK M. MacFALL
THE production of ramie, an age-
old fiber, presents problems
which bid fair to tax the ingenuity
of modern industrial research.
Ramie, cultured and processed in
China since time immemorial, has
resisted successfully the efforts of in-
dividuals to mechanize its produc-
tion. Will coordinated research be
able to solve these problems and
permit ramie to assume its rightful
place in the textile industry? Ramie,
indeed, presents an interesting chal-
lenge!
Ramie fiber, marketed under the
trade names of "China Grass" or
"Grass Linen," is obtained from the
ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea L.)
a member of the stingless nettle
family. The ramie plant, a branched
shrub, is a perennial which may be
propogated either from seed or from
root cuttings, the latter being pref-
erable because seed plantings re-
quire starting in seed beds and later
transplanting. A suitable soil is one
which is moist but not sodden; a
friable loam with porous subsoil is
preferred. Plants should be spaced
at least three feet apart to permit
rapid growth. This plant manages
best in a hot rainy climate such as
is encountered in the tropical coun-
tries. Despite the frequency of har-
vest, the plant will regrow and
thrive for many years without re-
planting. In tropical countries the
plant grows to a satisfactory height
of from four to six feet in approxi-
mately 60 days. It is reported that
six crops a year can be harvested in
the Philippines. The climate of
Cuba permits only four crops a year,
this frequency tapering off to a sin-
gle annual crop in the temperate re-
gions of Alabama and Georgia. Pro-
duction-per-acre figures vary wide-
ly, but an acre will produce about
four or five tons of green stems per
cutting from which 500 to 750
pounds of dry clean fiber can be
obtained. In localities, therefore,
where three or four cuttings per year
are made, a ton of dry clean fiber
per acre can be anticipated each
year.
In addition to the extensive cul-
tivations of ramie in Western China
and other parts of the Far East,
ramie cultivation is practiced to a
varying degree in the Philippines,
Algiers, France, India, and Italy. In
the western hemisphere plantings
will be found in Brazil and Cuba.
Cultivation in the United States is
restricted to areas of Florida, Geor-
gia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
and California.
The fibers yielded by the ramie
stalk are contained in that part of
the stem which lies between the out-
er bark or peel and the inner wood-
en core, where they are embedded
in various gums and resins. The
fibers are classed as bast type fibers
inasmuch as they come from the
stem of the plant rather than from
the leaves or seed pod. The single
ramie fiber is extremely fine in cross-
section, varying from 30 to 70 mi-
crons, and averages from four to six
inches in length. The ramie fiber is
similar in cross-section to cotton, the
contour varying from hexagonal to
oval. Longitudinally, ramie appears
as an irregular, knotty, ribbon-like
fiber. The fiber contains many fis-
sures or cracks which make it much
weaker than would be theoretically
expected. Here is a fertile field for
the geneticist!
The fiber is unsurpassed among
the natural fibers for length,
strength, durability, color, and pur-
ity. When processed properly it is
the most lustrous natural fiber
known apart from silk. One author-
ity states that ramie is four times
stronger than hemp, eight times
stronger than flax, twelve times
stronger than cotton, and twenty-
four times stronger than silk!
Most fiber plants of the bast type,
such as hemp, flax, kenaf, etc., can
be processed and the fiber removed
by "retting." Retting consists of plac-
ing bundles of the stalks under wa-
ter for a period of 10 days to two
weeks, during which time bacterial
action loosens the mass of the plant
substance and dissolves the binding
gums and resins, causing the fibers
to separate from the stem material.
Ramie, however, is not amenable to
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
this treatment, for the resins which
bind the fiber in the plant are in-
soluble in water and are not suscep-
tible to known bacterial actions.
This inability to separate the ramie
fiber from the plant stem by the
known methods has been the major
stumbling block in the development
of the ramie industry.
Ramie fiber is adaptable for proc-
essing on present types of flax ma-
chinery. It can also be worked on
waste silk machinery, or worsted
cards, combers, and preparing
frames.
The dried degummed fiber, as re-
ceived at the mill, must be softened.
This can be readily accomplished on
the usual type of circular hemp soft-
ener.
After softening, if the material is
too long it is cut or broken on an
ordinary type circular diamond cut-
ter, or hemp brake. The material
can be cut in two, producing a root
and top section, or the root and top
ends can be cut off, leaving a long
middle section. The latter method
produces more waste material but
furnishes the more choice middle
section of the fiber. The method se-
lected depends on the condition of
the fiber and the use to which it will
be put.
The fiber is then hackled or paral-
lelized, drawn, and spun into yarn.
The short fiber (tow) combed out
in preparing the long fibers is proc-
essed separately into low-grade
yarn.
The versatility and value of this
fiber is shown by its many uses. It
is used in the manufacture of up-
holstery fabrics, brocades, damasks,
tapestries, linings, neckties, suitings,
dress fabrics, furniture plush, frieze
velvet, fire hose, dry batteries, lace,
endless driving belts, machinery
cloth, incandescent lamp mantles,
sole shoe thread, fishing lines, net
hosiery, sewing thread, scarves,
handkerchiefs, table linen, and in
the making of fine paper. The re-
markable length of the ramie fiber
makes it possible to spin ramie into
yarns having 50,400 yards to the
pound with minimum twist and
maximum lustre.
The ramie plants above, at Santiago de las Vegas, Cuba, are 29-days old.
The history of ramie extends back
as far as the early days of the Chi-
nese and Egyptian dynasties, at
which time it was used extensively
in the manufacture of fine fabrics.
The lasting and preservative qual-
ities of ramie are well shown in the
mummy wrappings found in the re-
cently unearthed tombs. Ramie
mummy, wrappings, centuries old,
were found in an excellent state of
preservation!
When one reads the story of
ramie he is sharply reminded of the
futile efforts of the ancient alchem-
ists who sought to transmute metals.
Throughout the centuries mankind
has spent lifetimes of energy and
fortunes in wealth in an attempt to
solve the problems of ramie so that
it might be produced economically
in commercial quantities. In the
1870's the government of India of-
fered a bonus of $25,000 for a proc-
ess or machine capable of producing
ramie fiber at a reasonable cost.
This offer remained unclaimed and
was finally withdrawn in 1881. To-
day, most of these problems are still
unsolved!
While the rest of the world was
trying to mechanize the production
of ramie fiber, the Chinese continued
to produce the fiber by hand labor.
Their manual process, which is still
in use in most parts of western
China, produces only a few pounds
of fiber a day. Since this process,
even today, accounts for the greater
share of the ramie fiber produced,
Sir Alexander Home's description of
the process should prove interesting;
mechanized efforts in many in-
stances have been directed towards
duplicating the hand process me-
chanically. Home states, "At the
ramie harvesting the workman
seizes the ramie stem about nine
inches above the ground between
the thumb and the fingers of the
right hand, snaps it over to the right,
causing a fracture, pushes down and
sideways the upper part of the stem
on the fracture to complete the divi-
(Please turn to page 22)
MAY, 1948
Alumni Support
of Colleges
by JAMES F. OATES, JR.
Editor's note: The following ar-
ticle was delivered by Mr. Oates as
the main address at the Kick-Oft
dinner for the 1948 Illinois Tech
alumni fund drive. The dinner was
held at the Chicago Bar Association
April 9.
I APPEAR before you tonight as a
metaphysician. Don't be alarmed
— this sounds much more formid-
able than it is. Recently I was ex-
posed to Dr. Robert Maynard
Hutchins in a great books course
and there learned the real meaning
of the word "metaphysician." It ap-
pears that none other than Mr. Aris-
totle himself has made clear that the
one foundation of metaphysics is the
so-called law of contradiction. You
will remember that the law of con-
tradiction is simply the rule that
what exists cannot exist at the same
time. This seems to be self-evident,
but curiously enough, the law of
contradiction is difficult to demon-
strate. Indeed, Aristotle is quoted as
saying that any one who attempts
to demonstrate the law of contradic-
tion is a vegetable. Actually, the
only way it can be proved is by in-
ducing some one else to disprove it.
You see, when another person says
that the law of contradiction is un-
sound, he is affirming a position and
thereby implicitly denying the non-
existence of the position affirmed,
and you have won the argument
negatively.
All of which means, if it means
James F. Oates, Jr.
anything, that every one is either a
metaphysician or reduced to silence,
and since I could not be reduced to
silence when asked to speak on the
subject of alumni support for Illinois
Institute of Technology, I claim to
be a metaphysician.
Let us review a few basic con-
cepts to serve as a backdrop for our
discussion. We face in this country
today perhaps the greatest crisis in
the history of our democratic Chris-
tian tradition. This is so seriously
true that it sounds trite. Throughout
the world, the sphere of government
continues to encroach more and
more on the daily life of the individ-
ual man. The United States of
America is not immune from this
process.
There are, of course, various con-
flicting theories of the proper field
of government, most of which, on ul-
timate analysis, resolve themselves
into two general categories — the
first where the sphere of govern-
ment is imposed on the people, nec-
essarily involving tyranny in some
degree and a corresponding loss of
freedom by the individual citizens;
the other that the sphere of govern-
ment in the life of man is not a mat-
ter of coercion, but of grant from the
people. For the several years last
past, this general controversy has
been debated and indeed pulver-
ized. The disagreement is now mag-
nified in the lens of the out-reaching
ideology of communist Russia.
An idea, even the brutal idea of
dictatorship, cannot be destroyed
with force. It must in the long run
be overcome and submerged by a
more acceptable and sounder idea.
Ideas which do not work and bring
satisfaction are not acceptable. It
is, therefore, of primary importance
that the democratic idea of freedom
should operate effectively, in order
that it can be recognized around the
world as more acceptable than the
tyranny of any form of statism.
We have been told that through-
out the history of the world, demo-
cratic forms of government have re-
peatedly failed and some form of
Statism has arisen whenever the
economic and social problems of so-
ciety become so complex and gen-
eral that they require collective ac-
tion for solution. We now face the
significant and searching question —
are the problems of modern society
so broad, so complex, and so im-
peratively important that they can-
not be solved without the impair-
ment or possible destruction of the
liberty of the individual? Of course,
unless liberty exists for the individ-
ual, it does not exist at all.
It is submitted that the one best
chance the democratic Christian tra-
dition has for survival against the
impelling urge of collectiveism rests
upon the strength of the church and
upon the maintenance and develop-
ment of independent private educa-
tional institutions.
If the churches are open and the
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
independent colleges are free to pur-
sue truth, democracy will work. This
is clearly recognized in the foreword
written by President Heald in the
booklet describing Technology Cen-
ter — "Today and Tomorrow" —
when he says: "We at the Institute
believe that institutions such as ours
must be maintained and strength-
ened as independent centers of edu-
cation and scientific inquiry — par-
ticularly in this era of greater cen-
tralized control. Illinois Tech's plans
for the future are based upon con-
tinued growth and increased service
through independent action — a free
partnership of science, industry and
education."
We, therefore, confidently assert
that the privately supported educa-
tional institution at the college level
is in the first line as a great bulwark
of democracy.
In a democratic and free society,
all of the facts should be available
to provide the only sound position
upon which any action may safely
rest. Indeed, only in a free society
can all of the facts be made avail-
able. Judgment on any problem is
no better than the facts upon which
it is based. It is in the colleges and
universities that men and women
are trained to acquire all facts, to
appraise them on the basis of the
criteria of value which constitutes
the ethical, cultural and religious
heritage of the race, and then, and
only then, act.
The necessity of free access to all
available data and free scope in
evaluating such data is axiomatic in
the field of technological progress.
It seems clear that no scientific re-
search worthy of the name could
possibly be maintained successfully
while subject to significant limita-
tions upon access to facts and upon
criteria to evaluate data. While pub-
lic educational institutions are of the
greatest importance, indeed they
can be the very flower of modern
civilization, they also need the pri-
vate and independent sister institu-
tions. It is a fact that Illinois Insti-
tute of Technology cannot exist as
we know it, except as an independ-
ent and free institution.
I was interested in hearing Dr.
Wilson, chairman of the Standard
Oil Company of Indiana, state at a
meeting the other day that no gov-
ernment could efficiently operate
the oil industry for the simple rea-
son that no political leadership
could afford to risk the consequence
of a production record involving a
large percentage of dry holes. In
1947 the oil industry average for so-
called wildcat wells was 80 percent
dry holes; for Standard Oil of Indi-
ana the comparable record was 70
percent. He added that while the oil
resources of Russia were enormous,
the fields would never be adequate-
ly drilled because the commissars
would never risk the consequences
of inevitable failure in petroleum
exploration. Scientific research is de-
pendent, in large measure, upon the
empiric process which, by definition,
involves a large percentage of fail-
ure as the very foundation of ulti-
mate success. Surely progress in sci-
ence is dependent upon the initia-
tive, freedom, and venturous spirit
characteristic of the privately sup-
ported independent institutions.
The Chicago community — indeed
the nation — owes much to Illinois
Tech. The contributions made by
the individual graduates and by Il-
linois Tech's research activities are
too well known to describe in de-
tail, but they are certainly most im-
pressive, as you well know far bet-
ter than I.
In glancing through the 1947 An-
nual Report of Armour Research
Foundation, entitled "Partners in
Research", the reader is absorbed in,
and fascinated by, the catholicity of
interest and accomplishment. There
we find, among many things, an ac-
(Please turn to page 26)
Two-hundred-fifty Illinois Tech alumni gathered at the Chicago Bar Association April 9 to hear James F.
Oates, Jr., deliver the main address at the Kick-Off dinner for the 1948 alumni fund. Mr. Oates is seated to
the right of John P. Sanger, general fund chairman, who is at the microphone.
MAY, 1948
T-HI
| dei
[E first goal in education for
democracy is the full, rounded,
and continued development of the
person". 1
Educators and personnel men
have struggled for years with this
problem of developing in our col-
leges and universities what have
come to be known as "well-rounded
men and women". Too many have
sought to achieve this end through
the classroom alone, and far too few
have seen and taken advantage of
the opportunities afforded by a well-
coordinated and well-stimulated pro-
gram of outside activities. In consid-
ering the question, it behooves us
first to define the term, "well-rounded
man and woman".
He or she is a person who has been
educated to the point where it is pos-
sible, on the basis of this instruction,
to earn a livelihood and to make a
useful contribution to society through
the practice of a chosen vocation;
but, as important or more important,
he or she is also a person who is able
^^J^diei
ILLINOIS TECH
U. S. Gov't Printing Ot-
to. and does, assume in an intelligent
manner a rightful responsibility as
a citizen and who spends leisure time
in healthy and useful activity. Any
extracurricular program, any curric-
ulum, any college, which does not
have this as its ultimate goal has
failed in its responsibility.
In planning a balanced college
program, we cannot overlook the im-
portance of the extracurricular phase.
Members of the staff of Technology News, student weekly newspaper
at Illinois Tech, work on make-up for the coming issue. Unlike those of
most college papers, the staff of Technology News is generally com-
posed of persons who find journalism an interesting sidelight rather than
a prospective vocation.
It is here that the student will have
an opportunity to take part and lead
his fellow men in activities from
which he will derive experience and
interests useful to him for the rest of
his life. No longer can activities of
this type be permitted to exist simply
because they provide a channel for
the student to "let off steam". Like
any course in the curriculum, any
club or other activity must pass the
test of usefulness — does it make a
contribution to the development of
the individual? If it does, the college
should support and, if necessary,
nourish it; if it does not, it has no
more real use than a course in the
"Love Life of the Mosquito". Obvi-
ously, if we found such a course in
our college, we would get rid of it;
the same should be true of a useless
activity.
Industry has for some time recog-
nized the importance of extracur-
ricular activity. Those charged with
responsibility for hiring young col-
lege graduates are always looking for
the young man with good grades and
leadership ability as evidenced by
participation in activities. Industry
generally prefers that man to the one
with higher grades but no record of
such participation.
There are obvious difficulties in
reaching a balance between course
work and outside activity, especially
in an engineering college of Illinois
Tech's type. In the first place, engi-
10
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
by JOHN F. WHITE*
neering curricula are noted for the
extremely heavy academic program
they impose upon students. The long
hours in laboratories, classrooms, and
shops are a constant source of
"gripes". Then, too, Illinois Institute
of Technology's location in a large
municipality further complicates the
situation. It has no choice but to
become a "street-car college" where
students are inclined to check in at
8 a. m. and out at 5 p. m., with little
or no time or effort for anything but
the required course work. We are
making a continuous effort to over-
come these difficulties, but the prob-
lem is such that improvement cannot
yet be measured.
Illinois Tech makes this effort
because participation in proper stu-
dent activities relieves the strain of
the tedious job every college student
faces; because it develops confidence
and leadership in the individual, per-
mits self-expression, and provides an
opportunity for the student to meet
a greater number of people; and be-
cause it creates new interests for the
student and, even more important,
helps to develop a healthy attitude
in the student toward the world and
the profession he has chosen.
In planning such a program, one
must include organizations of at least
six types :
( 1 ). There are, first, the civic and
service groups. If, at the college level,
we fail to develop in the student an
Illinois Tech cheer leaders lead their fellow students in a yell that they
hope will fire their Techawks to a basketball victory.
interest in serving his fellow men, we
will surely fail in our efforts to give
him an "education for a fuller reali-
zation of democracy in every phase
of living".-
(2). A second activity is that of
the professional type, which takes
two forms — departmental organiza-
tions and honorary societies for those
men who have excelled in their
studies.
(3). One cannot overlook the
need for recreational activity, which
takes form in athletics and hobby
clubs. Athletics are too often thought
of as varsity athletics alone. The col-
lege program must include much
more than this; programs of physical
training, hygiene, and intramural
competition are important.
(4). Fraternal and other closely
knit groups, whose memberships de-
pend upon selection and whose direc-
tion is determined by personal inter-
est, are also necessary and significant.
(5). Religious activities must be
included in any well coordinated pro-
gram.
(6). A sixth category will include
groups devoted to special interests
such as music, drama, and literature,
nationality groups, and others which
crop out in any normal community
of 3,000 people.
Illinois Institute of Technology
recognizes its responsibility in stimu-
lating and aiding these extracurricula
groups. It has sought to meet that
responsibility by providing the direc-
tion for such activity and by making
available certain services. Organiza-
tions seeking a place on its campus
are screened by the proper authori-
ties and if found acceptable are ap-
proved and supported. All such
groups are approved if they show
promise of making a contribution not
already being made to the life of the
individual student. (At the present
time, there are 78 different active
$ olMJa ap#
MAY, 1948
The Musical Clubs of Illinois Tech perform at numerous school functions, have given concerts at the Civic
Theatre, and make frequent trips to neighboring communities in the Chicago area. Under the direction of O.
Gordon Erickson, the clubs are composed of orchestra, band, and glee club. The orchestra and glee club are
shown in the picture above.
organizations on the campus).
Like the ideal curriculum, the
ideal extracurricular program must
provide for individual differences
and interests; consequently, it must
include a variety of activities. But its
heart and nerve center lie in a vital
and successful student government.
At Illinois Tech, student govern-
ment rests with the Illinois Tech Stu-
dent Association. Its Board of Con-
trol, operating on an annual budget
of more than $20,000, coordinates
student activities and allocates funds
to those organized on an all-college
basis.
One of its main functions is to
provide the funds necessary to sup-
port the journalistic efforts of the
students. The student newspaper, the
yearbook, and the student handbook
— all notable for their excellence —
provide a real opportunity for ex-
perience and service for the young
men and women on their staffs.
Opportunities to serve the campus
and community are provided through
the traditional Junior Week and
Open House, the Forum Club, the
Assembly Committee, the Commun-
ity Service group, the Student Ad-
missions Advisory Council and Alpha
Phi Omega.
The last-named, a fraternity or-
ganized as a service group, is com-
posed of college students who for-
merly served as Boy Scouts. This
particular organization serves as a
welcoming committee and guide for
all incoming freshmen classes and
thereby assists the college in orient-
ing new students. It also assumes
responsibility for the annual March
of Dimes Campaign, ushers at cam-
pus affairs, and currently is planning
to publish a faculty-staff-student di-
rectory.
The Community Service Club is
composed of a number of students
interested in the development of
better relations between the college
and its neighborhood. These young
men and women have sought to de-
velop a recreation program for the
neighborhood children. While their
program has suffered several set-
backs, the fact that Illinois Tech
students are interested in and will
work toward such an objective is to
their credit.
In these civic and service groups,
the attitudes mentioned earlier are
fostered and developed. For the most
part, such activities are centered in
campus life, but that campus life
makes up a community within itself
and serves as a laboratory for later
life.
Construction of the new gymnasi-
um last fall has been a significant
stride in the development of recrea-
tional activity for students at the
Institute. This building provides ade-
quate locker rooms, showers, work-
out rooms, and two full-sized basket-
ball courts. This makes it possible
for large numbers of the students to
participate in competitive and recre-
ational activities previously denied
them. Any time between 8 a. m. and
10 p. m. on any school day, visitors
will see students playing basketball,
volley ball, or badminton, or taking
part in boxing or wrestling matches.
This new facility required a new
member of the Institute staff, who
was charged with the responsibility
of encouraging, organizing, and su-
pervising the intramural program.
Swimming, basketball, touch foot-
ball, ping-pong, bowling, track, box-
ing, and wrestling are now regular
and popular activities on the campus.
These are all in addition to the regu-
lar physical education course re-
quired of freshmen. Other recrea-
tional or hobby clubs, such as the
Photography Club, the Chess Club,
(Please turn to page 30)
12
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
The Future of Materialism
by B. S. RAMAKRISHNA
MATERIALISM, like other
great philosophies of the west,
was born of a set of scientific beliefs
that were held widely among men of
science over a fairly long period
from the time of Newton. It is there-
fore to be expected that the history
of materialism should be influenced
largely by the progress of science.
The success with which a large
number of natural phenomena were
explained by the laws of Newton
gave an impetus to seek a mechani-
cal interpretation to all the observ-
able phenomena of the material uni-
verse. The belief in the possibility of
such an explanation was reinforced
by the ever increasing successes
which the science of mechanics
achieved in the hands of the later
mathematicians, such as Lagrange,
Laplace and others in the eighteenth
century. Until the close of the eight-
eenth century, mechanics was large-
ly concerned with the study of the
macroscopic states of matter; but the
beginning of the nineteenth century
placed the atomic nature of matter
on a solid basis, and mechanics was
faced with the new problem of ap-
plying the principles which ex-
plained astronomical phenomena
with surprising success to the micro-
scopic and invisible world.
Maxwell, Boltzmann and other
physicists of the age showed that
the well-known properties of gases
such as pressure, temperature, etc.,
could be given a very simple and
convincing explanation on the hypo-
thesis that the atoms or the mole-
cules composing the gas are in rapid
incessant motion, colliding, as they
move, against one another and with
the walls of the container. This
theory — well known in science as
the Kinetic Theory of Matter —
scored triumph after triumph in the
predictions it had made, and the
new light it had thrown on the be-
havior of matter. For a time no
doubt was left in the minds of the
19th century scientists that the goal
of physical science lay in the ulti-
mate explanation of the universe by
mechanical principles.
It was maintained that if we
know the position, velocity and
forces acting on every particle or
atom in the universe at any time, we
could completely determine the
state of the universe at any subse-
quent time. This did not mean that
we could actually carry out the cal-
culation, but the latter was merely a
question of the labor involved. It
did, however, imply an important
consequence, viz., that the course of
the universe is predetermined, and
leaves no scope for the human mind
to alter the destiny of the universe.
Thus, the philsophy of mechanistic
predetermination developed entire-
ly in opposition to the doctrine of
the freedom of will.
The first half of the nineteenth
century, which saw the beginning
and the growth of the atomic theory,
also witnessed a similar trend in the
development of chemistry and biol-
ogy. For a long time it appeared
that certain chemical compounds
MAY, 1948
which were found abundantly in the
animal kingdom resisted all at-
tempts at their synthetic prepara-
tion. It was therefore held that the
presence of living matter is in some
way essential to the formation of
these compounds, and that, although
living and non-living matter is com-
posed of the same elements, there is
an essential difference between the
organic and the inorganic world.
The first shattering blow to this
belief was delivered when Wohler,
in 1827, prepared synthetically the
compound Urea, hither-to known to
exist only in the organic world. Then
followed a period of rapid develop-
ment of the synthetic preparation of
the various compounds, and the gulf
between the organic? and the inor-
ganic world seemed to diminish rap-
idly.
These two theories, viz., that there
is no difference between living and
non-living matter and that the fu-
ture history of every atom in the
universe is predetermined — al-
though far beyond human calcula-
tion — seemed to lead to one very
important conclusion.
Stated in the plainest terms, that
conclusion amounts to this: that if
the position, velocity, etc. of all the
atoms that constitute the human
body are known at any instant, the
future behavior of the individual
can be determined, at least in the-
ory. This implies a negation of the
power of the mind to control the
destiny of the body.
It is interesting to digress a little
at this stage and examine the vari-
ous reactionary philosophies that
developed in opposition to the ma-
terialist philosophy. The idealist
philosophy, which reached perfec-
tion in the hands of Bishop Berke-
ley, is the exact counter-part of ma-
( Please turn to page 38)
13
mollis
in
Industrial Research— II
by JESSE E. HOBSON
Public Service Research
Organizations
SEVERAL types of organizations
have been established to render
a service of scientific and engineering
research to industry and government
on a fee basis. These organizations
include the consulting laboratories of
such firms as Arthur D. Little, Carl
Miner, Foster D. Snell, and others;
engineering research and develop-
ment laboratories such as Barnes and
Reinecke, Buehler and Company,
Mast Engineering Company. Engi-
neering Research Associates, etc.;
and the non-profit research founda-
tions and institutes such as Franklin
Institute, Mellon Institute of Indus-
trial Research, Battelle Memorial
Institute, Armour Research Founda-
tion of Illinois Institute of Tech-
nology, Midwest Research Institute,
Southern Research Institute, and
others. Some of the latter institutes
have a more-or-less close affiliation
with an educational institution.
It is of interest to survey the activi-
ties of the leading non-profit research
institutes since they reflect the diver-
:;: This article and the preceding one by Dr.
Hobson in the March issue of the Illinois Tech
Engineer will appear in the forthcoming Interna-
tional Industry Yearbook, edited by Lloyd
Hughlett and published by McGraw-Hill Inter-
sity of scientific activity undertaken
by government and industry, because
they work simultaneously in several
industrial and scientific fields, and
because their growth and activity
roughly parallels that of all indus-
trial research in the United States.
Further, these institutions form a
unique pattern of research organiza-
tion which is being copied throughout
the world. Th- primary objective of
such institutions is to render a con-
fidential research and engineering
service to industry and government
on a cost basis. They have, however,
important secondary functions of
promoting and furthering funda-
mental research and of supplying
men, trained in the approach and
techniques of applied research, to
the laboratories of industry and gov-
ernment.
The non-profit research institutes
do not intend to compete with exist-
t Director of the Stanford university Research
Institute; formerly director of Armour Research
Foundation of Illinois Institute of Technology.
ing commercial laboratories, testing
laboratories, or consulting engineer-
ing firms since they are established
on a basis of tax exemption. They
make every effort to accept projects
which do not compete with research
services available elsewhere. Projects
are accepted on a confidential basis,
with full patent and publication pro-
tection given to the sponsor.
The Battelle Memorial Institute,
Columbus, Ohio, is a non-profit pri-
vately endowed institution founded
in 1929 by a bequest from Gordon
Battelle. Income from the bequest
has been used to provide buildings
and equipment and to support an
active program of fundamental re-
search. The volume of industrial and
scientific research conducted at Bat-
telle in the calendar year 1947 will
amount to approximately $4,250,-
000, an increase of 24 per cent over
the volume for 1946 which amounted
to $3,425,000. The research activities
cover diverse fields. A rough diver-
sion of this activity in broad fields
during the first six months of 1947
was:
Metallurgy 25%
Chemistry 20%
Physics 17%
Fuels Technology 12%
Ceramics 6%
Mineral Processing 4%
Welding 4%
Production Research 4%
Graphic Arts 4%
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Miscellaneous 4%
More than 250 investigations were
in progress during the year, 60 per
cent of which were for industrial
sponsors and 40 per cent under
sponsorship of government agencies.
The staff of the Institute numbered
860 on January 1, 1947. By Decem-
ber 1, 1947 the staff had grown to
1,028, of which 60% are trained
scientists, engineers, and technicians,
and 40% are administrative and
service personnel.
The Mellon Institute of Industrial
Research is the outgrowth of a plan
originally conceived in 1906 by Dr.
Robert Kennedy Duncan. The fel-
lowship system was designed to pro-
vide scientific research facilities and
personnel for public use. Evolved to
give manufacturers the privilege of
establishing a temporary fellowship
in a university for the investigation
of a particular problem, it was ex-
pected that the solution would bene-
fit the manufacturer and ultimately
the public.
In 1910, Andrew W. Mellon and
Richard B. Mellon asked Dr. Duncan
to put his plan into active operation
at the University of Pittsburgh. Fos-
tered by the generous Mellon endow-
ment, the plan was successful and
was placed on a permanent basis in
1913. Until 1927 the Institute re-
mained a part of the University of
Pittsburgh, at which time it was
separately incorporated. Since then
it has been managed by an executive
staff responsible through the director
to its own board of trustees. The In-
stitute cooperates with the Univer-
sity of Pittsburgh, and members of
its staff may take graduate work in
the university. However, the "fel-
lows" in Mellon Institute have the
status of salaried workers.
During the fiscal year ending
The picture at the right and above
shows an experimental combustor
used by a fuel technologist at Bat-
telle Institute in a study to de-
velop a pulverized-coal-fired com-
bustion chamber for gas-turbine-
driven locomotives. The picture
below, taken at Mellon Institute,
shows apparatus used for research
on absorption.
MAY, 1948
15
This is a genera! view of the extensive machine and carpentry shops at Midwest Research Institute.
March 1. 1947, the expenditures for
pure and applied research at Mellon
Institute totalled $2,697,982. The
staff consisted of 295 Fellows and
their 280 aids, 34 more Fellows and
16 more aids than in the preceding
year.
The Institute was active on 80 in-
dustrially sponsored projects, of
which 6 have been in progress for
30 years or more, 2 for 25 years or
more, 9 for 15 years, and 19 for 10
years. It conducts research in the
fields of pure chemistry and in chem-
ical physics. The Industrial Hygiene
foundation, a non-profit national as-
sociation for advancing health in
technology, operates under the Insti-
tute's auspices.
Armour Research Foundation of
Illinois Institute of Technology,
located in Chicago, was founded in
1936 without endowment. It is a
separate corporation although it re-
ports to the president and the board
of trustees of Illinois Institute of
Technology. Since its conception.
Armour has been an entirely self-
supporting organization, maintaining
its own staff and facilities.
During the fiscal year ending
August 31. 1947, the volume of
sponsored research for industry and
government at Armour Research
Foundation amounted to $2,551,854,
an increase of 34.6% over the previ-
ous fiscal year. Of the 105 active
research projects on September 1,
1947, 39 were projects under govern-
ment sponsorship and 66 were spon-
sored by industry.
The Foundation is organized in
three operating divisions:
1. The Research Division
2. The Magnetic Recording
Division
3. International Research
Division
The latter division, recently organ-
ized to render a research service to
foreign governments and industries
in foreign countries, has its headquar-
ters in Mexico City.
The Research Division has depart-
ments of physics, chemistry and
chemical engineering, metals, ceram-
ics and minerals, electrical engineer-
ing, applied mechanics, mechanical
engineering and research services.
On September 1, 1947 the staff of
Armour Research Foundation num-
bered 488, with 322 on the technical
staff and 166 on the service staff. A
further analysis of the 322 members
of the technical staff shows that
12.5% were occupied with scientific
and technical supervision. 59% were
research scientists and engineers, and
28.5% were classified as technical
and scientific assistants.
Midwest Research Institute in
Kansas City was organized early in
1945 and recently completed its third
year of operation as a non-profit
independent, research institution
serving both industry and govern-
ment. In addition to functioning as a
research institute serving the indus-
tries of the United States, the Insti-
tute has a unique function as a
regional research laboratory working
toward the development of the
natural resources of the central mid-
western states. Although an inde-
pendent organization, Midwest
cooperates with educational and re-
search groups, particularly in the
region from the Mississippi river to
the Rocky Mountains. Conducting
(Please turn to page 46)
16
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
THE specialized vocabularies of
science and technology are rich
ore for students of the history of
either language or science. Language,
our indispensable daily instrument,
our principal means of expression
and communication, is full of un-
recognized vestiges of the diverse
processes of cultural history.
Indeed, every single word has a
history of its own. Every word in
English entered the language either
in Germanic antiquity or from some
foreign tongue within historic time.
To study the migrations of word roots
is to be awed by the internationalism
of our knowledge. Our debt to Greek
and Latin becomes apparent, and to
other tongues as well. We are re-
minded of the contributions to sci-
ence of individual men whose names
have become common nouns. The
dimension of time is evident to the
student of words. It becomes possible,
through specific, detailed study of
the earliest recorded dates for the
appearance of technical terms, to
perceive the bloom periods and
sometimes the amazing youth of spe-
cialized vocabularies, and to compare
the life cycle of one branch of sci-
ence with that of another. New uses
of old words bring many surprises.
Many obscure facts and unrecog-
nized metaphors are to be discovered
in etymologies. In short, the study of
the history of technical language car-
ries one far into the history of science,
and into awareness of the cosmopoli-
tanism of technology.
The New English Dictionary on
Historical Principles endeavors to
exhibit the full life history, so far as
it is known, of every word found in
English since about 1000. Prepara-
tion of this greatest of all dictionaries
occupied scores of workers over
decades. Publication of sections ex-
tended from 1884 to 1928. A fat sup-
plement appeared in 1933. About a
quarter of a million main words are
treated in this sixteen thousand page
work, which is the major source for
study of the development of the
English vocabulary between 1000
and 1930. Using this mammoth die-
Technical
Words
by ALFRED C. AMES
tionary as a source, sixteen students
at Illinois Institute of Technology
recently investigated selected seg-
ments of technical vocabularies in
fields of their especial interests. What
follows is a selection and synthesis
of materials assembled by the indus-
try and ingenuity of these students of
the English language. 1
In English, function words and
many of the words for the most uni-
versally experienced objects, rela-
tionships, and concepts are of Ger-
manic origin, with a history in Eng-
lish that goes back well beyond 1000.
Modern English is a West Germanic
language, lineally descended from
the tongues of Angles, Saxons, and
Jutes, whose invasions of Britain be-
gan in 449. But even before these
Teutons left the continent, their
language had absorbed numerous
loan words from Latin. Though the
Roman Empire fell, the hegemony of
Latin in the intellectual life of
Europe was unbroken until modern
times. In the formation of technical
vocabularies in English, classical in-
fluence has been dominant.
Mathematics is a case in point. A
vast majority of mathematical terms
go back to Latin, many of them by
way of Old French. Some words re-
1 These students, and the tields in which they
worked, are: Robert B. Bell, photography; William
M. Boyer, organic chemistry; Donald Chiz, or-
ganic chemistry; Frank M Fisher, surveying; Ju-
lian Friedman, mathematics; Robert W. Hitze-
man, law; Henry |. |ob, mechanical engineering;
William Kanoff, physics; |onas A. Korn, physical
and inorganic chemistry; Joseph C. Kowalski, met-
allurgical engineering; John Leek, electrical en-
gineering; Frank Mannella, music; Orlando Man-
nella, music; Martin C. Mazurk, meteorology;
William J. Parks, electrical engineering; and F.
|. Ryan, mechanical engineering.
tain their Latin spellings — area, cal-
culus, integer, locus, modulus, radius.
Others have spellings first acquired
in French — addition, arc, degree,
function. Some are Latin forms
minus inflectional endings: circum-
scribe, decimal, determinant, prod-
uct, sum. Second only to Latin is the
Greek influence. From Greek come
such familiar words as cube, cylinder,
geometry, ellipse, and sphere, and
such esoteric ones as adiabatic and
loxodromic. Traces of the Arabic con-
tribution to mathematics are found
in algebra and azimuth. The native
Teutonic element is slight, being con-
fined to words bearing non-technical
meanings also, such as length and
root.
Chemistry, likewise, speaks in
classical tongues, though here there
is almost a balance between Latin
and Greek. (The date of word-forma-
tion, as we shall see, helps account
for the large Greek element.) Repre-
sentative words of Latin stock in-
clude acid, affinity, carbon, detergent,
emulsion, occlusion, polarization,
precipitate, and many more highly
technical terms, such as acetic, butyl,
collinate, and furturine. Familiar
Greek descendants include aromatic,
crystal, dynamite, and glycerine.
Allotropy, anisotropic, endothermic,
meniscus, and plasmolysis remain
meaningful only to Greeks and chem-
ists. From exotic sources and distant
times come alcohol (of Arabian and
Hebrew sources, with the original
referent a cosmetic powder for stain-
(Please turn to page 56)
MAY, 1948
17
by DAVID BAKER
ARCHITECTS
For
NAVi
WISHING to set the best pos-
sible example in its post-war
construction, the Electronics Divi-
sion of the Navy Department, in
cooperation with the Bureau of
Yards and Docks, has attempted to
evolve a basic layout for the United
States Naval Radio Transmitting
Station, Dixon, Calif., which will
function with a minimum number of
personnel, provide low maintenance
cost, and solve all probable expan-
sions in the future.
This radio transmitting station is
located approximately midway be-
tween San Francisco and Sacramento
and is in an area subject to earth-
quakes. Ample radio station support-
ing facilities are included at the site.
Among these are an emergency
power building, utility buildings,
quarters, garage, and other units that
go to make up a self-contained group.
The radio transmitter building is
designed to function as a basic unit
capable of expanding in terms of
transmitter room increments. The
transmitter room layout is deter-
mined by the quantity of equipment
as well as the limitations of control
imposed by the use of a single person.
The building expresses a definite
architectural character rather than a
box-like interpretation, by the loca-
tion on the outside of the exterior
wall, on centers of 13' 4" by 40' 0",
the columns which support the roof
loads. This provides for a clear wall
surface on the interior of the building
and allows for ease of cleaning and
lowered maintenance cost. It pro-
vides unobstructed maximum work-
ing area around the transmitters, and
makes possible the running of trans-
mission lines without any obstruc-
tions whatsoever within the trans-
mitting room.
In order to obtain a flexible ar-
rangement for routing incoming
transmission lines to the various
transmitters, seventy-five pairs of
entering insulators are located be-
neath the protecting cornice of the
building. Thus, an incoming trans-
wm
- . * a
A view of the interior of the trans-
mitter building, United States
Naval Communications station,
Dixon, Calif., showing trench con-
struction.
mission line is pulled tight and held
fast on the transmission line anchor
and looped under the cornice and
into the feed through insulator.
Trenches are used for cable, con-
duit, bus bars, piping, and the like,
in lieu of an alternate design which
would have made it necessary that
the transmission room be on a second
floor, with access to the cables which
would be arranged in continuous
hangers from the ceiling below. Low
cost in installing cable is made pos-
sible by the ease with which cable
can be rolled off the reels over the
main trenches without moving any
equipment to do so, as the equipment
is installed directly over the adjacent
system of small feeder trenches.
The finish floor material is terraz-
zo, ground smooth and divided into
squares. The brass strips ordinarily
used for dividing terrazzo could
prove electrically dangerous to the
personnel in the transmitter room, so
plastic strips are used instead. Rather
than a painted concrete surface, bat-
tleship linoleum, or asphalt tile, ter-
razzo fully meets the need of a good
wearing surface capable of resisting
heavy loads, and is easily maintained
and kept clean. Trucks for carrying
equipment for the initial installation
or any emergency find easy access
through the large aluminum sliding
end doors and protection from the
weather. An overhead rail for sup-
porting a hoist is utilized over the
end bays of the transmitter room.
Thus, equipment is lifted from the
truck by means of the hoist to a
hand-steered electric powered trans-
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
west
OMMUNICATIONS STATION
A view of the entrance of the transmitter building.
porter. The use of the electric trans-
porter permits a great deal of flexi-
bility in placing the equipment on
any desired location.
This windowless building, save for
the administrative portion and the
lavatory, is ideal for air conditioning.
In addition, it keeps the building bug
proof, a vital consideration, for bugs
have a tendency to work their way
into and damage the transmitter
equipment. The windowless wall acts
as a blast resisting surface and pro-
vides a good light reflecting surface
for artificial illumination, because
natural light would not be adequate
for lighting the transmitter panels.
The air conditioning system is de-
scribed as follows: For more than
half the year, cooling of the trans-
mitters and the building is accom-
plished by the introduction of cool
outside air into the system to main-
tain a constant supply of 70 to 75
degree air in the supply ducts. This
air is supplied to the administrative
wing, the Communication Control
Link room, the shop, and the equip-
ment storage room. The air is 90%
re-circulated or 100% exhausted
through vents in the roof, depending
on outside temperatures. When out-
side temperatures become such that
70 to 75 degree air can no longer be
delivered, the refrigeration plant op-
erates to supply the additional cool-
ing required. The design is pre-
dicated to a 95-degree maximum
room temperature in the transmitter
room, which would occur only at the
assumed maximum operating level.
In the normal course of operation,
sufficient heat is generated by the
transmitters to heat the building.
This warm air is therefore recircu-
lated and utilized for heating, being
tempered by cool fresh air, intro-
duced and controlled in the same
manner as in the cooling cycle. Thus,
the air in the ducts is maintained at
a constant 70 to 75 degrees in the
summer and winter. In the event of a
shutdown, a boiler is provided as an
auxiliary source of heat. Controls
provide for the automatic operation
of the system.
The duct system is designed to
distribute air through overhead ducts
except in the transmitter room. The
main supply duct to the transmitter
room is located under the corridor
and console cable trench, and the
feeder ducts in the transmitter room
are located between the cable trench
and the exterior walls. Auxiliary elec-
tric heaters are provided in the ad-
ministration room and in the confer-
ence or mess room in the event of
shutdown.
Designed for construction when
future commitments so require is the
VHF (Very High Frequency) tower
which will be located on center over
the loading platform. The cantilever
floor of the tower provides for 360-
degree area for spacing line of sight
link antennae. The antennae will be
of the parabolic reflector type.
Also planned for near future con-
struction is the Standby Power build-
ing, designed in harmony with the
Transmitter building. It is planned
to house a single diesel unit with pro-
vision for another unit to provide
MAY, T
19
The interior of the transmitter room of the transmitter building.
power for the first building and the
additional first expansion transmitter
room increment. This arrangement
permits all of the equipment to be
under the surveillance of one man
should the failure of the normal
source of power occur. Space which
is allotted for the future installation
of an additional diesel driven gener-
ator can meanwhile be used to ad-
vantage for the storage of antennae
and rigging gear.
Indoor antennae switching gear is
contemplated. It will be divided into
two units, each unit to be mounted
overhead in the middle bay of each
extending wing of the transmitter
room and on center of the two rows
of transmitters.
Switching will be accomplished by
a system of handwheel switches and
may possibly be remotely controlled
at a later date. The completed unit
will be suspended from cross mem-
bers framed into side wall angles or
channels in lieu of suspending the
units from the ceiling or concrete
girders.
The administrative unit is planned
so that no enlargement is required in
the event of expansion. The ever es-
sential small kitchen finds a place
in this area, inasmuch as coffee is a
byword among the radio watchstand-
ers; also, the isolated location of the
radio station invariably makes it
necessary that some meals be pre-
pared in the station. The office and
conference rooms have three-way ex-
posure in order that the approaches
to the station may readily be ob-
served. The entry is preceded by a
covered area to protect it from the
weather. The ceiling of this portion
of the building is acoustically treated.
For general unloading, the easily
accessible rear platform is used. The
CCL room houses equipment by
which all transmitters are radio con-
trolled from a remote location. The
cleaning gear, lavatory and air con-
ditioning units have been placed so
that they provide the most econom-
ical runs of piping, cables, duct work,
and control between the transmitter
room of the first building and the first
expansion increment.
The antenna arrangement consists
of a number of Rhombic type trans-
mitting antennae erected circularly
from the transmitter building. The
Rhombic system is utilized because
of its directional characteristics. The
antennae are oriented in the specific
direction in which the maximum
signal is desired. The transmission
lines run directly from antennae to
the antennae switching system in
order that any transmitter can be
connected to any transmission line.
The transmission lines are the stand-
ard 600-ohm impedance open wire
type. The transmission line anchors
from an integral part of the building
cornice design and, together with the
antenna feed through insulator, it
gives the radio transmitting station
its definite character.
All concrete reinforcing steel is
interconnected by welded jaints and
bonding wires to provide a continu-
ous metallic electrical path to the
ground rod. In like manner, all con-
duit equipment, metal doors, and
metal window frames are carefully
grounded.
Review of Navy experience on
some of the radio transmitter rein-
forced concrete building types which
were built in previous years, has dis-
closed that within a few months of
operation the walls and roof of such
structures heated up, cracked and
flaked.
The partial disintegration of these
buildings came about by the action
of the reinforcing steel as it heated
up and expanded at a greater rate
than the adjacent concrete. This
heating was produced in the steel
rods by the standing waves acting on
them; this was a result of the radio
frequency energy given off by the
transmitters, transmission lines, et
cetera. By acting as ungrounded an-
tennae, the reinforcing rods absorbed
a detectable quantity of the radio
frequency output.
In reinforced concrete transmitter
buildings with exceptionally high
power output, it has been found that
the addition of a separate grounding
and shielding system of copper rods,
set in front of the steel rod reinforcing
and held in place by the concrete
envelope, proved satisfactory in car-
rying the radio frequency energy
directly to ground and shielding the
steel reinforcing from the radio fre-
quency.
In planning the new United States
Naval Radio Transmitting Station
for Dixon, the fundamental charac-
teristics of electrical effects have
been taken into consideration in the
design of the structural elements of
the building.
An antenna acts as a conductor as
it picks up radio frequency energy
if it is a resonant component of the
cycle of wave length, the range of
which includes multiples as follows:
(Please turn to page 60)
20
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
NUMBER 11 OF A SERIES
for Engineers
How to make handset
4l handles twice as fast!
To meet the tremendous postwar demand for tele-
phones. Western Electric engineers were faced with
the problem of molding 50% more plastic handset
handles per day than ever before. Calling on their
wartime experience, the engineers turned to electronic
pre-heating, which raises the temperature of the phe-
nol plastic from room temperature to 275 degrees
Fahrenheit in just 30 seconds. In this way they cut
press time in half, doubled production, improved the
finish and increased the strength of the handset han-
dles through more uniform heating.
Laboratory precision
in mass production ^
This line amplifier looks like something made in a
laboratory— and destined to spend its life there. Actu-
ally, the amplifiers are mass-produced to lead rugged
lives up poles, down manholes, or in remote repeater
stations along coaxial telephone cable routes. Each
amplifier must boost the volume of as many as 600
voice channels, ranging from 64 kc to 3,096 kc. with
closely controlled characteristics over long periods
without attention. Working out manufacturing
methods and controls that assure uniform perform-
ance of laboratory precision in telephone equipment
is always an interesting project to Western Electric
engineers.
Engineering problems are many and varied at Western Electric, where
manufacturing telephone and radio apparatus for the Bell System is the primary
job. Engineers of many kinds — electrical, mechanical, industrial, chemical,
metallurgical — are constantly working to devise and improve machines and proc-
esses for mass production of highest quality communications equipment.
Western Electric
*£ *2 X A UNIT OF THE BELL SYSTEM SINCE 1882 T *X T
MAY, 1948 21
RAMIE-an Age-Old Problem
(Continued from page 7)
sion of the wood, inserts the fore-
finger of the right hand in the frac-
ture which is now compound, and
draws it up between the peel on the
left and the wood and the adhering
peel on the right, removing on its
way branchlets, leaves, and tips. He
then draws down the peel on the
left with his left hand to the root,
where it is readily detached. In like
manner, the peel and the wood on
the right are removed; the latter,
which is loosely attached, can be
readily separated from the peel.
"The operation is simple and can
be accomplished with great rapidity.
The Chinese then scrape gum from
the fiber in the following manner: a
piece of bamboo one-half inch thick,
two and three-eighth inches long,
and five-eighth inch broad, is
grooved in the middle of the two
one-half inch sides, and an arched
band of copper or iron, three-eighth
inches wide at the top of the arch
and widening to one and five-eighth
inches at the bottom, is hammered
into the grooves. This forms a ring,
which is put by the harvest man in
the thumb of his right hand, the
metal on the top and the flat piece
of bamboo on the underside of the
thumb. The other instrument is just
like an iron shoehorn. It is seven
inches long by two and one-half
inches wide across the broad con-
cave end, contracting to three-fourth
inch at the narrow end with a very
short thin tube through which a
string may be passed when not in
use for the purpose of suspension.
The edges are blunt. The right hand
also grasps the other instrument,
concave side uppermost, by the thin
end, leaving the thumb free. The flat
bamboo can now be placed on the
inner edge of the shoe horn and the
ribbons of ramie peel are passed be-
tween them, outer layers uppermost,
touching the piece of bamboo. At
the harvest the peel is made into
bundles and placed in a tube of cold
water to steep for as short a time as
possible and never for more than six
hours.
"When the fiber is to be extracted,
a bundle of peel is removed from
the tub, unfolded, untied, and hung,
the outer layer under, over a piece
of wood raised above the ground to
the level of the workman's breast.
Taking a firm hold of the ribbons,
one at a time, by the butt end with
his left hand, the peeler seizes it
about six inches from the butt be-
tween the thumb ring, bamboo, and
the edge of the shoe horn, and
scrapes it rapidly from the butt to
the tip. The outer layer of the skin
is at once removed and the fiber re-
mains. It is rarely necessary to
scrape the ribbon more than twice;
the first scrape is often sufficient.
When a dozen ribbons have been
operated upon, the workman scrapes
off the cuticle from the six inches re-
maining at the butt end, scraping in
this case in the opposite direction.
The fiber is hung up until a suffi-
cient quantity has accumulated, and
Alpha
Cellulose
Ash
Soluble
in
10% KOH
Copper
Number
Beta and
Gamma
Cellulose
%
Degummed Ramie Fiber 96.01
Highly Purified Wood Pulp a .. 95.08
Rayon pulp now on market* 87.76
%
0.11
0.08
0.12
%
4.24
5.45
11.39
0.79
1.04
1.93
%
* Schwarz, E. W. K. and H. R. Mauersberger, Rayon and Synthetic Yarn Handbook (1936) 53.
b Estimated by difference.
Analysis of degummed ramie fiber compared with that of commercial
rayon pulp.
22
then spread out on bamboo poles in
the sun and wind to dry and bleach."
In order to produce ramie com-
mercially in the countries of the
western hemisphere where wage
standards are relatively high, it is
going to be necessary to mechanize
a large part of the production proc-
esses. The production sequence of
ramie fiber is harvesting, decorticat-
ing (fiber removal from the plant),
degumming, bleaching, and soften-
ing.
Planting, cultivating, and harvest-
ing of the plants present no particu-
lar problems except that the har-
vester must incorporate some device
for stripping the leaves and
branches from the stems. The strip-
pings may be returned to the field
for their fertilization value or they
may be gathered and processed into
animal feed.
The greatest stumbling block
throughout the history of ramie has
been the development of suitable
decortication equipment to separate
the fiber strands from the bark of
the plant. The best fiber is obtained
if the plant is decorticated while
green. Within a few hours after har-
vesting the outer bark hardens and
turns brown and it is then extremely
difficult to remove the fiber. M.
Faure of France designed the first
fairly feasible machine; the stems
were crushed and a flat ribbon was
produced. The ribbon was then split
apart by teeth on a spiked cylinder.
This combing action removed a
large part of the woody matter.
Many attempts have been made
to adapt such decorticators as the
Krupp Stella and the Corona to the
decortication of ramie, but the re-
sults have not been too satisfactory.
Excessive waste, low production,
and injury to the fiber are the main
disadvantages of the machines pro-
duced to date. So far as it is known,
there is no machine built today that
can really be applied successfully to
the decortication of ramie on a com-
mercial scale.
Ramie fiber, as it comes from the
(Please turn to page 24)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Because photography is fast. . .
Fast as the hummingbird moves —
his wings beat from 55 to 200 times
a second — he's a "sitting duck" for
photography.
Photography can split a second into
millions of parts . . . and as a result, it
can do things for industry and science
that are truly astonishing.
For industry, for example, ultra-speed
photography is picturing the action of
the exhaust from jet- and rocket-tvpe
engines— engines that propel airplanes at
speeds approximating the speed of sound.
For science, ultra-speed photography
—with cameras capable of operating at
speeds in excess of five million frames a
second — is, among other things, helping
researchers study electrical discharges,
explosive phenomena, and shock front
effects.
Just a suggestion . . . this ... of what
photography can do because it's fast. For
a better idea of what it can do because
of this and other unusual characteristics,
write for "Functional Photography."
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester 4, N. Y.
FUlKtiOlllIll Pfi®^0grtSphy is advancing business and industrial technics
Kodak
(Continued from page 22)
mechanical decorticators, is in long
strands approximately the length of
the plant stem. These strands are
composed of individual ramie fibers
tied together with various resins and
gums. Well decorticated fiber
strands will contain not more than
20 per cent resin and gum.
To reduce the fiber to usable
form, the decorticated strands must
be degummed. There are many se-
cret trade methods for degumming
the fiber, but nearly all of them are
based on the use of caustic soda,
which has a tendency to weaken the
fiber. The fiber strands are boiled in
soda lye, steeped in a chloride of
lime solution, and then placed in a
hydrochloric acid bath; the fiber is
washed, of course, between dippings.
The latter two operations are re-
peated until all of the gum is re-
moved and pure white fiber remains.
Quite often the strands are not
completely degummed, but only
part of the gum is removed so that
Composition Per Cent
Cellulose ( Ash Free 1 83.51
Alcohol-Benzol extract 2.15
Cold water soluble 3.57
Alkali Soluble 9.95
Ash i in cellulose) 0.21
Composition of decorticated ramie
fiber calculated on dry weight.
fibers longer than the component
fibers themselves remain. The de-
gree of degumming will depend
upon the ultimate use of the fiber.
Following the degumming process,
the natural suppleness of the fiber is
restored by steeping the fiber in a
glycerine-wax-tallow solution.
A large amount of money, time,
and effort has been devoted to
searching for a better degumming
process than the caustic soda meth-
od, one that would be more econom-
ical and eliminate the weakening
action of the caustic soda on the
fiber.
No particular problems are pre-
sented in the bleaching and soften-
ing of the fiber.
Many large industrial concerns in
the United States interested in
ramie as a raw material are using it
at the present time, and will find
many other uses for it as soon as it
is commercially available in suffi-
cient quantity.
When processes and equipment
are developed for economically pro-
ducing ramie fiber in large quanti-
ties, the ramie growing industry will
mushroom in the western hemi-
sphere. Owing to its superior qual-
ities and versatility, and to the fact
that it is used mainly in high quality
products, a relatively high price on
this fiber is justified.
The development of the neces-
sary processes and equipment for
mechanically separating the ramie
fiber from the plant and the solution
of the chemical problems of degum-
ming offer a real challenge to mod-
ern industrial research.
24
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Tapping a Waterfall.
TO LIGHT A
COUNTRYSIDE...
AND A WAY
TO SUCCESS!
Design and build a hydro-tur-
Dine to meet exacting demands of
capacity, head and horsepower . . .
that's just one of thousands of ab-
sorbing problems tackled and solved
by Allis-Chalmers engineers.
A-C probes every phase of
science and industry — electronics,
hydraulics, processing, metallurgy
. . . contributes important new ma-
chine advancements to almost every
basic industry.
What better place could you
find to develop your engineering
talents ! What better chance to grow
in your chosen field.
INVESTIGATE
1
i
^
ALLIS-CHALMERS
ONE OF THE BIG 3 IN ELECTRIC POWER EQUIPMENT-
BIGGEST OF ALL IN RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS!
Write for Book No. 6085,
outlining A-C's Graduate
Training Course.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.,
Milwaukee I.Wisconsin
MAY, 1948
25
Alumni Support of Colleges
(Continued from page 9)
count of the work being done to test
golf balls, the studies of dynamic
strains and stress during the cycles
of artillery firing, the investigation
of the plastic behavior of structural
steel, the tests of porcelain enamel,
the effort to remove odors, and the
alleviation of water noise in pipes
and valves. I ask you, in all serious-
ness, is there anything that Illinois
Tech is not investigating.
The industry of which I have the
privilege of being a part owes much
to Illinois Tech.
Automotive
BORG & BECK
DIVISION OF BORG-WARNER CORP.
Manufacturers
of
Automotive Clutches
5558 S. Menard Ave. Chicago, III.
Building Construction
T.ltphon. N.r.di 6020
S. N. NIELSEN
COMPANY
•
BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
CHICAGO
In 1941, after an intensive two-
year study by a group of outstand-
ing leaders of the gas industry, the
Institute of Gas Technology was or-
ganized as a non-profit Illinois cor-
poration and affiliated by agreement
with Illinois Institute of Technol-
ogy. Illinois Institute of Technology
was selected by the gas industry as
the most desirable engineering
school in America to fulfill the pur-
poses of the Institute of Gas Tech-
nology. Under the terms of the affili-
ation agreement, the president of
Illinois Tech is made the president
of the Gas Institute and Illinois
Tech agrees to grant degrees to the
graduate students of the Gas Insti-
tute who have completed satisfac-
torily a course of study of four aca-
demic years in length plus three
summers of employment in the gas
industry.
The Institute of Gas Technology
is thus fulfilling, through its affilia-
tion with Illinois Tech, the prime
purpose of its organization, namely:
to train a selected group of chemists
and chemical engineers at the grad-
uate level to take positions of lead-
ership in the gas industry. In addi-
tion to the training of personnel, the
Institute of Gas Technology is con-
tinually engaged in most significant
research projects of great current
importance to the gas industry, in-
cluding the study of the complete
gasification of coal, various catalytic
cracking processes, etc., all designed
to develop more efficient and expe-
ditious methods of gas production to
meet peak requirements. There is
now in operation at Riverhead,
Long Island, a gas manufacturing
plant which is using a catalytic
cracking process (for which great
hopes are held) developed by the
Institute of Gas Technology.
The Peoples Gas Company could
not operate tonight in meeting a
great human need for the vast popu-
lation of Chicago without the skill,
ability, and experience of 137 grad-
uates and former students of this in-
stitution and its predecessors — Ar-
mour and Lewis. These 137 men,
who are my associates at the Peo-
ples Gas Company, include men in
all of the divisions and departments,
including the president of the com-
pany, Mr. George F. Mitchell, and
the operating vice president, Mr.
Karl B. Nagler. I am delighted to
note the presence here tonight of
my associates at Peoples Gas: Ern-
est S. Beaumont, Edward F. Pohl-
mann, Frank P. Mueller and Robert
Wight.
A private college is now primarily
dependent for its growth and sup-
port upon its alumni, who are the
members of the college family. In
days gone by . . . and they may have
been happier . . . college institutions
obtained their support in part from
tuition fees; but since education is
needed and deserved by the less
well-to-do, the greatest part of the
support has, in the past, come from
income on endowments. These en-
dowments came to the institutions
as the result of substantial gifts
made by the very wealthy, either
during their lifetime or by bequests
effective on death. Many factors
have intervened which have de-
stroyed reliance upon endowment,
income as the material resource to
maintain the independent educa-
tional institutions.
We hear much currently of the
profound and serious economic con-
sequences of a tax policy which seri-
ously limits venture capital upon
which industrial and economic
growth is dependent. More could be
said, with equal effect, of the conse-
quences of a tax policy which is rap-
idly liquidating large fortunes and
preventing the accumulation of new
fortunes, the absence of which will
prevent an increase in endowment
support for private charitable and
educational institutions.
I have recently received figures
from Princeton University, my own
alma mater, which seem to me to be
typical and significant. Between
June, 1939, and June, 1947, a period
of only eight years, Princeton's en-
dowment increased $10,000,000 —
from $35,000,000 to $45,000,000—
an increased of 28 percent. The en-
dowment income, however, in-
creased only 18 percent — from $1,-
200,000 to $1,400,000 — while the
(Please turn to page 28)
26
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Many Theoretical and Applied Studies
Behind Development of "Cordura" Rayon
Stronger, lighter tires made
possible by teamwork of
Du Pont chemists, engineers,
and physicists
On the surface, the viscose process for
rayon seems fairly simple. Cellulose
from cotton or wood is steeped in
NaOH to give alkali cellulose, which is
treated with CS 2 to form cellulose xan-
thate. Adding NaOH gives molasses-
like "viscose," which is squirted through
spinnerets into a coagulating bath of
acid and salt to form from 500 to 1,000
filaments simultaneously:
"OH + NaOH
(cellulose)
R-ONa + H,0
(alkali cellulose)
CS 8 — > R-0-C-SNa
(cellulose xantha
R-0-C-SNa + H 2 S0 4 -> R-0H + CS 2 + NaHS0 4
(cellulose)
R* = C 6 H ; 2 (0H) 2
Du Pont scientists were working to
improve on the properties of rayon
made by this process when, in 1928, a
rubber company asked for a rayon yarn
that would be stronger than cotton for
tire cords. The problem was given to a
team of organic, physical, and analyti-
cal chemists, chemical and mechanical
engineers, and physicists.
Theoretical and Applied Studies
In developing the new improved rayon,
a number of theoretical studies were
carried out: for example, (1) rates of
diffusion of the coagulating bath into
the viscose filaments, (2) the mechan-
ism of coagulation of viscose, (3) the
relationship between fiber structure and
properties by x-rays, and (4) a phase
study of spinning baths.
Concurrently, applied research was
necessary. This proceeded along many
lines, but the main problem was to per-
fect the spinning technique. It was
known that a short delay in the bath
between the spinneret and the stretch-
ing operation allowed greater tension
on the filaments. Du Pont engineers,
therefore, designed a series of rollers,
each revolving faster than the previous
one, to increase the tension gradually.
In addition, a textile finish was de-
veloped that combined just the right
amount of plasticizing action and lubri-
cating power, allowing the filaments to
twist evenly in forming the cord. A new
adhesive was prepared to join the yarn
with rubber. New twisting techniques
for cord manufacture were found, since
the usual methods caused loss in rayon
strength.
Engineering Problems Solved
Chemical and mechanical engineers
were faced with the design and opera-
tion of equipment for more than 15
different types of unit operations. Equip-
ment had to operate every minute of the
day, yet turn out perfectly uniform
yarn. It was necessary to filter the vis-
cose so carefully that it would pass
through spinning jet holes less than
4/1000th of an inch without plugging.
Some of the most exacting temperature
and humidity control applications in
the chemical industry were required.
Out of this cooperation among scien-
tists — ranging from studies of cellulose
as a high polymer to design of enormous
plants — came a new product, "Cor-
dura" high-tenacity rayon, as strong as
mild steel, yet able to stand up under
repeated flexing. Today, this yarn is al-
most 100 % stronger than 20 years ago.
Tires made with it are less bulky and
cooler running, yet give greater mileage
under the most punishing operating
Determination of spinning tension by C. S.
McCandlish, Chemical Engineer, Northwestern
University '44, and A. I. Whitten, Ph. D., Physical
Chemistry, Duke University '35.
conditions. In "Cordura," men of Du
Pont have made one of their most im-
portant contributions to the automo-
tive industry.
Questions College Men ask
about working with Du Pont
How are new men engaged?
Most college men make their first contact
through Personnel Division representatives
who visit many campuses periodically. Those
interested may ask their college authorities
when Du Pont men will next conduct inter-
views. Write for booklet, "The Du Pont
Company and the College Graduate," 2518
Nemours Building, Wilmington 98, Del.
BETTER THINGS FOR BETTER IIVING
...THROUGH CHEMISTRY
More facts about Du Pont — Listen to "Cavalcade
of America" Monday Nights, NBC Coast to Coast
MAY, 1948
Rayon spinning machine. The spinning solution is pumped through a spinneret immersed in a harden-
ing bath. Filaments are guided over a rotating glass wheel and down into the whirling collecting
bucket. Inset shows close-up of spinneret; each hole forms a filament.
27
(Continued from page 26)
total annual expenses of Princeton
increased from $3,000,000 to $7,-
000,000, or an increase of 139 per-
cent. During this period, the endow-
ment income dropped from 40 per-
cent of such expenses, and tuition
fees dropped from 41 percent to 30
percent of the expenses. These facts
create a vacuum, and spell disaster
for Princeton and Illinois Tech as
independent institutions unless new
and reliable sources of continuing
financial support are found from
private sources.
To fill this vacuum, the educa-
tional institution must turn to its
sons, the members of its alumni, who
owe it the greatest debt and who, as
a group, can supply the resources to
maintain the institution. The ex-
perience of Princeton has been sig-
nificant. Annual giving by alumni
was instituted in the academic year
of 1940-1941, during which period
3.500 alumni provided $80,002.
This participation has gradually
grown until in the academic year of
TTTTTT1
Peabody has spent three generations
in building a high degree of skill in
the business of mining, refining and
distributing coal. This ability is ac-
companied by ample mining machin-
ery for efficient production as well
as preparation equipment that makes
scientific use of advanced methods.
With mines in Illinois, East Ken-
tucky and West Virginia ... and sales
agencies in other coal fields - Peabody
is serving virtually everv type of
consumer.
IN ITS 64 th YEAR
PEABODY COAL COMPANY
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago 4, Illinois
<Sa/k> <^^ SPRINGFIELD . ST. LOUIS . OMAHA
MINNEAPOLIS . CINCINNATI . NEW YORK . PHILADELPHIA
WE MINE, REFINE AND SELL GOOD COAL
1946-1947, 8,450 alumni contrib-
uted $231,000. The goal at Prince-
ton this year is $250,000, and ulti-
mately $1,500,000 per annum.
It will readily be seen that rela-
tively small amounts given regular-
ly by large numbers of alumni can
be the equivalent of vast endow-
ment funds which are now not pros-
pectively obtainable.
The record of Illinois Tech is
equally impressive. Your alumni
giving also started in 1941 when 26
percent of the alumni of Illinois
Tech contributed in excess of $50,-
000. In 1947 almost 3,000 alumni of
Illinois Tech contributed in excess
of $117,000. There is one desirable
feature of the present tax policy
which encourages this growth: that
is, the deductibility of such gifts in
the computation of federal taxes on
income.
Reference was made a moment
ago to happier days. Maybe this is
an erroneous statement. Perhaps the
real happy time is when every alum-
nus of every educational institution
accepts his responsibility annually,
and by regularly contributing rela-
tively small amounts, participates in
the development and growth of the
institution of which he is a member.
Perhaps this situation is more
wholesome and healthy than where,
as in the past, the institution has
been financially dependent upon the
purse-strings of the wealthy few.
Certainly it is more healthy than a
surrender to government subsidy.
As the alumni of your institution
and mine contribute regularly to
our respective institutions, these in-
stitutions will necessarily mean
more to us, and the more they mear
to us, their Alumni, the finer, strong-
er, and better they will be.
I congratulate you upon your ei -
thusiastic approach to a great work,
and predict a new record for 1948.
May I leave you with the story of
the group of old residents sitting in
the Vermont store. One of their
number had recently died. He was
reputed to be a rich man and his
friends were acrimoniously debating
the extent of his wealth. Finally old
Joshua said, "I know exactly how
much Seth left. He left all of it."
28
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
— — - _—• - -I
this xs TBendfr
^o&^' , ' , ■ I • ***.*'r
MAY, 1948
Members of Sigma Kappa sorority gather for a song session. Sigma Kappa is one of the two national sororities
at Illinois Tech.
Extracurricular Activities
(Continued from page 12)
the Radio Club, the Airplane Model
Club, and the Musical Clubs, are also
quite popular.
The need for workshops, labora-
tories, and meeting places for these
hobby and recreational groups is
great, and their future development
is dependent somewhat upon the
ability of the college to provide space
in which they can operate.
The nucleus of these organiza-
tions, in fact, the main support for
all activities, comes from the fraterni-
ties. Nine of the twelve fraternities
have already become affiliated with
national organizations; three operate
as local organizations and one of
these three is at present negotiating
with a national organization. Last
fall, many more men were denied
admission to fraternities than it was
possible for the twelve groups to
accept. Consequently, the Interfra-
ternity Council recommended that
30
an additional fraternity be invited
to establish a chapter at Illinois
Tech. Recently the college added
one such group.
The fraternities are doing a par-
ticularly fine job and all are in excel-
lent condition. They are operated
under the authority of the dean of
students and through an interfrater-
nity council composed of undergrad-
uate representatives from each fra-
ternity. An organization made up of
an alumnus of each group gives valu-
able guidance and advice. This coun-
cil serves in an advisory capacity
and meets regularly with the dean
of students.
While eight of the fraternities are
in a position to assume responsibility
for the maintenance of fraternity
houses, the Institute has been able to
supply only six with permanent quar-
ters. Of the six, two own their own
houses, one rents from a private
owner and three rent from the col-
lege. All are attractively furnished
and house from 20 to 40 men each.
Plans for the development of the
new campus include quarters for
these fraternal bodies, and it is ex-
pected that they will continue to play
an important role in the program.
From time to time, fraternities
have been the target for rather bitter
criticism. These complaints have not
always been unjustified, at least on
a national scale. Fraternities fre-
quently have been on one side of the
fence and the college on the other.
They have been called the mecca for
the rich boys who preferred to look
upon colleges as country clubs and
the fraternities as places for hazing,
snobbery, and other non-acceptable
practices. There has been a change
of attitude recently on the parts of
both national fraternities and college
administrators, and a definite trend
in an opposite direction is noticeable.
Illinois Institute of Technology
looks upon fraternities as an integral
(Please turn to page 32)
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
RCA scientists— pioneers in radio-electronics — apply the "radio
tube" to communications, science, industry, entertainment, and transportation.
This "magic lamp" makes Aladdin's look lazy
You will remember the fabulous lamp-
and how it served its master, Aladdin.
Serving you, today, is a real "magic lamp"
. . . the electron tube.
You are familiar with these tubes in your
radio, Victrola radio-phonograph or television
set . . . but that is only a small part of the
work they do. Using radio tubes, RCA Lab-
oratories have helped to develop many new
servants for man.
A partial list includes: all-electronic tele-
vision, FM radio, portable radios, the elec-
tron microscope, radio-heat, radar, Shoran,
Teleran, and countless special "tools" for
science, communications and commerce.
The electron microscope, helping in the
fight against disease, magnifies bacteria more
than 100,000 diameters, radar sees through
fog and darkness, all-electronic television
shows events taking place at a distance,
radio-heat "glues" wood or plastics, Shoran
locates points on the earth's surface with
unbelievable accuracy, Teleran adds to the
safety of air travel.
Constant advances in radio-electronics are
a major objective at RCA Laboratories.
Fully developed, these progressive develop-
ments are part of the instruments bearing
the name RCA, or RCA Victor.
When in Radio City, New York, be sure
to see the radio, television and electronic
wonders at RCA Exhibition Hall, 36 West
49th Street. Free admission. Radio Corp. of
America, RCA Building, Radio City, N. Y. 20.
Continue your education
with pay — at RCA
Graduate Electrical Engineers: RCA
Victor — one of the world's foremost manu-
facturers of radio and electronic products
— offers you opportunity to gain valuable,
well -rounded training and experience at
a good salary with opportunities for ad-
vancement. Here are only five of the many
projects which offer unusual promise:
• Development and design of radio re-
ceivers (including broadcast, short wave
and FM circuits, television, and phono-
graph combinations ) .
• Advanced development and design of
AM and FM broadcast transmitters, R-F
induction heating, mobile communications
equipment, relay systems.
• Design of component parts such as
coils, loudspeakers, capacitors.
• Development and design of new re-
cording and reproducing methods.
• Design of receiving, power, cathode
ray, gas and photo tubes.
Write today to National Recruiting Divi-
sion, RCA Victor, Camden, New Jersey.
Also many opportunities for Mechanical
and Chemical Engineers and Physicists.
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
MAY, 1948
(Continued horn page 30)
part of student life. Not only does
the college administration accept,
but it enthusiastically supports the
fraternities and their programs. In
exchange, however, for this interest
and support, the college has charged
the fraternities with certain respon-
sibilities and proceeds on the thesis
that the two parties are in one boat
rowing together. These fraternal
bodies submit monthly financial
statements to college authorities and
meet specified membership require-
ments. Those maintaining houses are
regularly inspected for safety and
cleanliness, and each has either a
housemother or proctor.
The housemothers or proctors are
approved in advance by the college
authorities and, once elected by the
fraternities, are responsible only to
LOWER UNIT COSTS
WAGE INCENTIVES
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
PERSONNEL PROCEDURES
IMPROVED METHODS
JOB EVALUATION
E. H. MARHOEFER, JR. CO.
• CONTRACTORS
MERCHANDISE MART • CHICAGO
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS
INCORPORATED
DESIGNERS and MANUFACTURERS of
ELECTRICAL WINDINGS AND
SPECIALTIES
201 5 NORTH KOLMAR AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILL
Telephone BELmont 3360
the dean of students and the alumni
advisors of the chapter. They are
neither detectives nor disciplinary
officers; their function is to help the
men of the fraternities become better
students, better fraternity members,
and better gentlemen. Inaugurated
last September, this plan for house-
mothers or proctors is still too new
to permit a conclusion as to its effec-
tiveness. However, it gives every
indication of becoming a vital and
significant step in the right direction.
Although fraternity members at first
disliked the idea of this system, they
have always given complete coopera-
tion and in most cases are now con-
vinced of its value.
We believe, as does the National
Interfraternity Conference, that "the
college fraternity has as its goal, in
harmony with that of the college, to
provide training and discipline of the
individual who, in seeking an educa-
tion, desires to make of himself a
useful member of society, possessing
knowledge, trained skill, and capaci-
ty for accomplishment. The college
fraternity, as a group organization,
seeks to train men how to live and
work together, striving by precept
and example for the personal devel-
opment of the individual in the train-
ing of mind and body. It carries for-
ward the fundamental purposes of
education, adding a fraternal influ-
ence for correct living and individual
development.""
Illinois Tech fraternities are mak-
ing an earnest effort toward that end;
and so long as this is the case, they
will be given hardy endorsement.
Along with the fraternities, three
sororities, two or which are national,
are active on the campus and play
an important part in the program for
women. While the present enroll-
ment of women students is relatively
small, a definite effort is being made
to increase the number. Illinois Tech.
through Lewis Institute, has always
had an excellent home economics
department and other highly rated
curricula in a wide academic pro-
gram which can serve women stu-
dents. It is imperative, therefore, that
we sponsor a sound extracurricular
program to supplement the formal
education of the woman student.
The Illinois Tech Women's Asso-
ciation was organized a year ago with
this objective. Every woman enroll-
ing in the institution automatically
becomes a member of ITWA and,
through its acitvities, is urged to join
some organization or take part in
some activity of interest to her. Teas,
receptions, dances, and other social
events have been sponsored by this
group. Although relatively small in
number, women students have taken
a real lead in campus activities. Rep-
resentatives serve on the student
governing board and a significant
position has been assumed by them
in such all-college activities as Junior
Week, the newspaper, and other out-
lets. The sororities have acted as the
spearhead for this interest.
It should be emphasized again
that sororities and fraternities have
served as the driving force for all
campus activities. It has been said
by some that student affairs are con-
trolled by the "Illinois Tech 400". To
a large degree, this is correct; further-
more, it is true that the vast majority
of the "400" students are members of
social fraternities and sororities.
Membership in those groups places
the individual in a closely knit organ-
ization which can and does direct the
interests of its membership. Such a
group, if it is worth its existence, is
interested not only in improving the
scholarship of its members, but also
in seeing that they participate in
campus activities. Obviously, it is
through that leadership that the fra-
ternity gains its reputation. At the
same time, unless it offers this type
of program to its membership, it has
little reason for being. Students in an
institution of Illinois Tech's size and
character who have no fraternity or
social ties have little impetus to be-
come activity-minded. Except in rare
cases, they become "commuters"
whose only interest lies in classroom
activity.
Another reason for the fraternity
and sorority leadership in the extra-
curricular program is the fact that,
until now. they have offered the only
(Please turn to page 34)
32
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Who named if wireless ?
^he ether which brings mys-
» terious electrical impulses
across the miles to your radio, has
always enveloped the earth. It was
there when Noah launched his Ark.
So were all the elements that com-
bine to make this modern miracle.
But Noah's only contact with the
outside world was a Dove.
Today any teen-aged youngster
knows more about the subjectthan
did Noah, yet, relatively speaking,
we know as little about electricity
as he did. We haven't scratched the
surface.
Roebling saw the future of elec-
tricity and recognized the import-
ant part it would play in American
industry, sixty-eight years ago.
Roebling undertook the manufac-
ture of electrical wires and cables in
1880 because it had confidence
in America's future, and because
it knew that individual enterprise
and free competition speedily
would cieate a steadily growing
demand for its product. Roebling
has consistently led the way in the
design and manufacture of elec-
trical conductors.
Roebling electrical wire and
cable enjoys the well-earned con-
fidence of electrical men — not
only in this country — but through-
out the world.
JOHN A. ROEBLING'S SONS COMPANY
TRENTON 2, NEW JERSEY
Branches and Warehouses in Principal Cities
A CENTURY OF CONFIDENCE
ROEBLING
MAY, 1948
33
(Continued from page 32)
real opportunity for housing on the
campus. It is difficult for a student to
participate in the affairs of various
clubs and recreational groups when
he must spend from a half-hour to
two hours on public transportation at
the end of the day. "Street-car" stu-
dents are generally not leaders for
the reasons mentioned above. A stu-
dent who lives on the campus and
spends 24 hours a day living his col-
lege life is much more inclined to
take advantage of extracurricular
opportunities. It means, too, that
going to college is his life rather than
merely his full time job. The result
is that he will create new friends and
new interests rather than merely
absorb information.
The development of the Institute's
housing program will mean a great
deal to the further development of a
well-rounded educational program.
With a larger percentage of the stu-
dents living on the campus, one can
expect a larger participation in the
extracurricular portion of the educa-
tion program. We expect that these
new residents not only will be incor-
porated into the activities which
already exist, but that other activities
stemming from the housing units
themselves will be developed.
The well-organized and intelli-
gently-led discussion or "bull session"
has traditionally been a part of col-
lege life. Such sessions, except in
fraternities, have had little oppor-
tunity to exist on the Illinois Tech
campus and will almost certainly
come into their own with the devel-
opment of the dormitory system.
With the increased number of stu-
dents living on the campus and par-
ticipating in activities, one can ex-
pect that the "Illinois Tech 400" will
no longer exist and that this larger
group, exerting its influence on the
student program of the college, will
broaden its base and make it more
attractive to all students.
When one finds the control of and
participation in activities resting
with a relatively low percentage of
the total student body, he finds an-
other and rather serious problem —
the relatively small group of student
leaders lead everything.
As an example: the editor of the
yearbook is also the chairman of the
Publications Board of Control, mem-
ber of the Illinois Tech Student Asso-
ciation board of control, president of
the senior class, and member of a
social fraternity.
Another student is president of the
journalism honorary fraternity,
member of Alpha Phi Omega service
fraternity, president of his social fra-
ternity, member of Chi Epsilon hon-
orary fraternity, treasurer of the stu-
dent chapter of the American Society
of Chemical Engineers, and member
of the Interhonorary Council, and he
also works as a student in one of the
major administrative offices of the
college. In the past, he has held offices
in a number of these organizations,
was editor-in-chief of the newspaper,
a member of the Honor Board, and
has always been extremely active in
non-organized student activities.
(Please turn to page 36)
/ fj(/^^ when selecting machines
Extra "dividends" can be
realized by selecting ma-
chines that have a long
productive life, simplified
operation, accuracy and
versatility.
These "dividends" show-
up in the many new ma-
chines recently added to the
Brown & Sharpe line, as in
the No. 5 Cutter and Tool
Grinder shown at the left.
Many unique features
developed to meet new con-
ditions, and long trouble-
free service life combine to
make a profitable invest-
ment of Brown and Sharpe
Milling Machines
Grinding Machines
Screw Machines
O.C BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO.
— PROVIDENCE 1, R. I., U. S. A.
BROWN & SHARPE
Since 1905-
National Electric has been a symbol
of Quality on Wiring Epgg^
Systems and Fittings U " l, " ,jmL * mr
for every conceivable
requirement
?r ° au : er U**
Notional Electric
Products Corporation
Pittsburgh 30, Pa.
34
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
No illustrations can do more than suggest the wealth of facilities
at Standard Oil's new research laboratory at Whiting, Indiana.
Here, in one of the largest projects of its kind in the world, there
are provided the many types of equipment needed and desired
for up-to-the minute petroleum research.
The caliber of the men who work here is high. For many years,
Standard Oil has looked for and has found researchers and en-
gineers of high professional competence. Further, the company
has created for these men an intellectual climate which stimulates
them to do their finest work.
And there is nothing new about the idea that motivates
Standard Oil research. It is simply that our responsibility to the
public and to ourselves makes it imperative to keep moving steadily
forward. Standard Oil has always been a leader in the field of in-
dustrial research; the new Whiting laboratory is proof of our
intention to remain in the front rank.
Standard Oil Company
(INDIANA)
MAY, 1948
35
Electrical Fixtures
LIGHTING FIXTURES
and
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
Triangle Electric Co.
600 West Adams Street
Chicago
ek Byrnei Tel. HAVmirkt.
Engines
"Caterpillar" Diesel Engines
and
Electric Generator Sets
Patten Tractor
& Equipment Co.
620 S. 25th. Ave. Bellwood, Illinois
Phones:
I Chicago I Mansfield 1860
(Long Distance' Bellwood 300
Serson Hardware
& Supply Co.
Eitabllihed 1907
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES — SHEET
METAL WORK
GOLDENROD
ICE CREAM
Served exclusively
at
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
THE STAR OIL COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1890
LUBRICATING OILS AND GREASES
Telephone Seeley 4400
348 North Bell Avenue, Chicago
(Continued from page 34)
In both these cases, the men
earned grade point averages higher
than the all-college average, but it
could be legitimately argued that
they might have done a better acade-
mic job had they not participated in
so many activities. Another point of
view is that, by holding these jobs,
they eliminated the possibility of
other students gaining the benefits of
participation in activities.
This over-concentration on the
part of some students has been a
source of constant discussion, not
only on the Tech campus but on the
campus of every college in the coun-
try. In the last analysis, one always
comes back to the conclusion that
"those who can lead, will lead". Point
systems limiting such participation
have been evolved in some colleges,
but they never have been completely
satisfactory. In the Illinois Tech situ-
ation, the program has not yet
reached the point where those re-
sponsible can even seriously consider
such a possibility.
Rightly or wrongly, Illinois Insti-
tute of Technology student leaders
always say "if we don't do it, who
will"? That argument, of course, may
be based on a false assumption.
In evolving a point system there
is one great problem: the inability to
measure the relative time spent in
membership compared with that of
being an officer in an organization,
and the even greater difficulty of
measuring the load between one or-
ganization or activity and another.
If a point system is adopted, one
is forced to decide whether the edi-
torship of the yearbook is as time-
consuming as the editorship of the
newspaper; or whether the sports
editorship of the newspaper is as
heavy a load as the presidency of a
fraternity. Obviously, the presidency
of a fraternity or an editorship is
more time-consuming than playing
in the orchestra or being treasurer of
one's class; but evolving that differ-
ence in load into a specified system
of points is much easier said than
done. In education, as in life, we can-
not overlook the human factor. There
is always the individual who can and
36
should spend more time studying
course work. There is also the student
who can and who should participate
in more activities and take a lead
in more functions than the man who
may sit next to him in the classroom.
A point system would forbid the
evaluation of such individual differ-
ences. Students on academic proba-
tion are barred from holding any
office or representing the Institute in
any activity, but the problem is to
make the potential "B" student a "B"
student rather than a "C" student
and, at the same time, help him be-
come a well-rounded citizen of the
community. This cannot be accom-
plished by simply evolving a set pat-
tern into which each individual stu-
dent must fall.
Therefore, one comes back to the
original conclusion: in planning each
student's program, both curricular
and extracurricular, he must be
treated as an individual. But it is
difficult, if not impossible, to contact
and influence every individual stu-
dent. The answer seems to lie only
in the development of a two-fold pro-
gram which will permit more stu-
dents to spend more time on the
campus, and an adequate counselling
system to direct students' interests
into proper channels.
Even dormitories and fraternity
houses will not solve the problem
unless the college administration
lends its influence to the develop-
ment of student activities. A greatly
expanded student personnel program
is needed, and such a program is
already underway. We hope that
eventually every student at Illinois
Tech will carry not only the specified
curricular requirements for a degree
but will also participate in his share
of student activity.
The college firmly believes that it
is on its way toward that goal. How
long it will take, one dares not fore-
cast. The brightest spot in the picture
is a realization of the problem and
the unity of students, faculty, and
administration in working toward its
solution.
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
radiant irrrcs BURNERS
tin-coat fusing zone
BRIGHT FINISHING was the problem — and engineers
of Crown Cork and Seal Company, Inc., Baltimore,
adopted a high- temperature method for fusing
tin to low-carbon strip, with resultant high-polish
surface, in a continuous production mill.
Then, to obtain the high temperatures necessary
for heat-processing, these engineers selected GAS
and modern Gas Equipment. By directing the heat
of radiant GAS burners over a concentrated area of
the freshly-plated strip it was readily possible to
coordinate the fusing action with the plating
process to accomplish continuous high-speed pro-
duction of bright finished strip.
This typical installation demonstrates the flexi-
bility of GAS and the applicability of modern Gas
Equipment for continuous, production-line heat
processing. Compared with available fuels GAS
is most readily controlled by simple automatic
devices; Gas Equipment can be adapted for use
with existing machinery or incorporated in new
machinery without radical design changes, or ex-
pensive supplemental apparatus.
Manufacturers of Gas Equipment and the American
Gas Association support continuing programs of
research designed to assure the most efficient use
of GAS for every heat-processing requirement.
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION
420 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK 17, N. Y.
MAY, 1948
37
The Future of Materialism
(Continued from page 13)
terialism. Berkeley maintained that
whatever is perceived is something
mental and that the very existence
of the object consists in its being
perceived. Thus he denied the exist-
ence of material objects apart from
the mind of the perceiver. The weak
point in his argument is that he does
not deny the existence of a thing
when he does not perceive it, but
states that it must exist in other
minds. Here, however, he invokes
the testimony of minds other than
his own, thus giving these objects
an objective independent existence.
But his first postulate compels us to
admit that our belief about other
minds is again an idea in our brain.
Various other objections have been
pointed out by modern philosophers
like Bertrand Russell, who shows
that there is a confusion of the ob-
ject and the thought of the object.
It is not my purpose here to dis-
cuss the validity of the idealist phil-
osophy, but merely to state that an
attempt has been made during re-
cent times by certain scientists (per-
haps all physicists) to return to the
idealist philosophy in a modified
form, basing the arguments on de-
velopments in modern physics; and
it is worthwhile to note what it is in
modern science that does not fit in
with the materialist doctrines of the
nineteenth century.
Let us first of all examine the de-
velopments in modern physics, for it
is here that the twentieth century
has witnessed two great revolutions.
The Theory of Relativity and the
Quantum Theory are generally re-
garded as the two important devel-
opments of philosophical conse-
quence. Even before the advent of
relativity, physicists developed the
field theories to describe electrical,
magnetic and gravitational pheno-
mena, but the atomistic point of
view still remained the dominating
influence in shaping the philosophi-
cal beliefs of the nineteenth century.
Nor did the discovery at the begin-
ning of this century that atoms are
not indivisible, but that they are
composed of a number of still tinier
particles called electrons, protons
(and now neutons, also), bring
about a change in our outlook; it
merely involved a substitution of
these new particles in the old place
of the atoms in our picture of the
material universe.
While for obvious reasons we can-
not go into the details of the Theory
of Relativity here, we can still con-
sider the possible manner in which
relativity can bring about an altera-
tion in our philosophical ideas. One
of the results of the special theory
of relativity is the discarding of the
conception of space and time as hav-
ing unique independent existences.
Each observer (the observer need
not be a human being but may be a
recording instrument) is shown to
possess his own private system of
space and time for the description
(Please turn to page 40)
Marsh & McLennan
INCORPORATED
Insurance Brokers
AND AVERAGE ADJUSTERS
164 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD • CHICAGO
CHICAGO
WASHINGTON
BUFFALO
MILWAUKEE
LOS ANGELES
VANCOUVER
NEW YORK
PITTSBURGH
CLEVELAND
DULUTH
PHOENIX
MONTREAL
SAN FRANCISCO
MINNEAPOLIS
COLUMBUS
ST. PAUL
SEATTLE
HAVANA
DETROIT
BOSTON
INDIANAPOLIS
ST. LOUTS
PORTLAND
LONDON
3S
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
BUSINESS IN MOTION
'fa 0%t/l/~C?*&e
tc&j *n
?4m>&t*c&yi /yic<fcHe<fJd
Probably few people realize that the dairy industry is a
large user of special brushes. In pasteurizing and bottling
plants milk flows through pipes and tubes, and these must
be thoroughly scrubbed inside, using small cylindrical
brushes attached to rods. Naturally, the brushes them-
selves must be capable of sterilization, which means a metal
back. Conventional tufted brushes do a good job, but a fa-
mous manufacturer realized that a better job would result
if it could make a brush by holding
(he bristles in a channel, and then
winding the straight brush into a small,
tight spiral. Experiments immediately
showed, however, that there was a
lower limit to the radius obtainable
without cracking the metal and loosen-
ing the bristles. That limit, unfortu-
nately, was considerably above the
radius necessary to make a brush that
would have an outside diameter, over
the bristles, of %" and an inside
diameter, over the mandrel, of % 6 ".
It was at this point that Revere was
called in. Did we know of any metal or alloy which would
withstand such a double deformation? Remember, Revere
was told, the metal first must be turned up into a channel,
enclosing a brass wire around which the bristles are set.
Then the channel must be bent on its back in a tight coil
with that small inside diameter of %e"- Was there any-
thing that would take this abuse and not crack, split, break,
or open the bristle-filled channel?
Anybody could see that this was a tough problem. If
annealing could have been resorted to, perhaps the opera-
tion would not have been considered too difficult, but you
can't anneal bristles. The metal had to be taken as it came
from the mill, made to do that double flip-flop, and make
a perfect brush.
If you had been the brush manufacturer, we trust you
would have done what he did — come to Revere for help.
If you had been Revere, you would
have done just what we did — study the
characteristics of all the Revere Metals
and Alloys, seeking one that would have
the required strength and toughness,
plus maximum corrosion-resistance.
Revere is proud to have found the
answer in a certain gauge and type of
Cupro-Nickel Strip. Test runs with
this were entirely successful, and reg-
ular production soon began. Thus it
became possible for our customer to
offer this improved brush to the dairy
industry.
This is but one example that shows how a supplier can
collaborate with his customers to mutual benefit. Revere is
not alone in carrying on such activities. Every supplier, no
matter whether he produces metals or woods, chemicals or
plastics, rubber or glass, inevitably knows a great deal
indeed about his materials and how to work them into
finished products. The great essential is that he be fully
informed as to methods and end uses, for only then can he.
turn his knowledge and experience to your benefit.
REVERE COPPER AND BRASS INCORPORATED
Founded by Paul Revere in 1801
* * *
Executive Offices:
230 Park Avenue, New York 17, N. Y.
MAY, 1948
39
(Continued from page 38)
of natural phenomena and it is
pointed out that no one observer is
in a more privileged position than
the other. Thus it comes out that the
time interval between two events is
not an invariable magnitude but
that it depends upon the observers.
This point has been made the basis
of an argument that if an event A
happens earlier than an event B ac-
cording to one observer, and accord-
ing to a second one the event B
precedes the event A. not only is the
time interval between the two
events not a definite magnitude, but
the order of the events is altered
also. How then can the law of Cau-
sation (which is at the basis of ma-
terialist philosophy) be held true?
The fallacy, however, lies in sup-
posing that any two events can have
their time order reversed for suit-
ably moving observers. As a matter
of fact, events which are causally
connected can never have their time
order reversed whatever the motion
of the observers. Relativity, indeed.
does not assert (as is supposed by
some) that everything is relative;
rather, relativity distinguishes the
invariable from the variable, and in
respect to this lies the importance of
the substitution of space-time for
space and time.
Among the other consequences of
relativity there is the equivalence of
mass and energy, which in pre-rela-
tivity physics were regarded as in-
dependently conserved. It therefore
follows, as a result of this relation-
ship, that mass can disappear and
reappear as energy or vice versa — a
prediction which has found ample
experimental evidence in atomic
physics. It was found that an elec-
tron and a positron may annihilate
each other and appear as radiation.
The converse effect of the materiali-
zation of radiation has also been ob-
served, as for instance when a -/-ray
photon materializes into an electron
and a positron.
While the old idea of the con-
creteness of mass has been dwin-
dling in the light of relativity, still
partners in creating
K & E drafting instruments, equipment
have been partners of leading engineei
in shaping the modern world. So extens
products used by successful men, it is s<
K & E has played a part in the compl.
every American engineering project cf c
nd materials
for 80 years
-evident that
KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.
NEW YORK • HOBOKEN, N. J.
Chicago • St. Louis • Detroit
San FrancUco • Los Angeles • Montreal
another stab has been made by the
more recent developments of quan-
tum mechanics. It has been found
necessary to attribute wave-like
properties to matter on one hand
and matter-like (corpscular, as it is
called ) properties to waves of radia-
tion on the other hand. In the new
Quantum Theory developed by
Schrodinger, Heisenberg and others,
electrons and protons have lost their
concreteness and are replaced by
waves — waves of probability.
While matter was thus becoming
more and more shadowy, Heisen-
berg enunciated his famous prin-
ciple of indeterminancy. In non-
mathematical terms the principle
amounts to the statement that it is
impossible at the same time to state
precisely the position and velocity
of an electron and that the product
of the uncertainties in the determin-
ation of each is always greater than,
or (at best) equal to, the Plank's
quantum of action, h. This is not
merely a statement regarding the in-
accuracy of our experiments but es-
tablishes the theoretical limits be-
yond which we cannot hope to make
our measurements. In view of this,
most of the laws of classical physics
came out to be what are generally
known as statistical laws, from which
alone the behavior of individuals
cannot be determined. Let me take
an example of this: from the death
rate which is found to prevail in a
particular place it is possible to give a
fairly correct figure as to how many
people die in a year in a particular
city, but if the particular persons
who would die in a certain year are
asked to be named, it is at once
found to be impossible. The well
known Second Law of Thermody-
namics is itself an example of this
statistical type of law.
The nineteenth century ended
with the firm conviction that mat-
ter, composed of electrons and pro-
tons, is alone real, and that the ex-
planation of all natural phenomena
is to be sought in the behavior of
these particles obeying perfectly
definite laws. The twentieth century
witnessed the view — forced upon on
one hand by the Theory of Relativ-
ity and on the other by the Quan-
(Pleass turn to page 42)
40
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Plastics where plastics belong
Synthane trhere Synthane belongs
Here's Synthane at work in a channel selector turret . . .
the nerve-center of any television receiver.
Svnthane is employed for a number of the intricate parts to
insure extreme electrical and mechanical precision and rugged
operation. It's an appropriate job for useful, hard-working
Synthane ... a timely example of plastics where plastics belong.
In addition, Synthane is moisture' and corrosion resistant,
hard, dense, easy to machine, and has unusual electrical insu-
lating qualities. Synthane is also structurally strong, light in
weight and stable over wide variations in temperature.
These and many other properties — combined — make Syn-
thane adaptable to countless chemical, electrical and mechanical
applications. Synthane Corporation, 14 River Road, Oaks, Pa.
[ SYIVTttANE ]
SYNTHANE TECHNICAL PLASTICS • DESIGN • MATERIALS • FABRICATION • SHEETS • RODS • TUBES • FABRICATED PARTS . MOLDED MACERATED . MOLDED LAMINATES
MAY, 1948 41
(Continued from page 40)
turn Theory — that matter behaved
as waves under certain circum-
stances, and as particles, whcse posi-
tion and velocity cannot be known
with absolute certainty, even in
theory, in other circumstances. With
this scientific background, the old
idealist philosophy and the pre-Dar-
winian creation theory of the world
have forced their way from an alto-
gether different route. From the Sec-
ond Law of Thermodynamics, which
states that the universe is becoming
increasingly random with the pas-
sage of time. Sir James Jeans postu-
lates the creation of the universe.
The probable time according to
Jeans is, of course, far greater and en
an astronomical scale compared with
the time given by Edmund Goese's
father who argued that the world
was created in 4004 B.C.
Further, the freedom of will
which found no support in the strict
mechanistic pre-determination cf
the classical physics, was rescued by
the atomic indeterminacy. The un-
predictability of the behavior of in-
dividual atoms has been made the
basis from which, by a logical chain
of reasoning, the freedom of the hu-
man mind can be established. Thus,
according to one group of scientists,
the philosophical outcome of science
seemed to be not much different
from the idealist philosophy, though
the conclusion was arrived at in an
altogether different way.
While the progress of physics all
along the twentieth century has been
a retreat from the materialistic view,
biology and psychology have taken
an apparently different path. While
the behavior of inorganic matter ap-
peared to be less and less predict-
able, biologists have been, in general,
trying to explain the functions of the
living organism in terms of its con-
stituents, and have done so with no-
table success. One cannot help ask-
ing what light the new developments
of physics have thrown on the issue
of whether living and non-living
matter are essentially alike cr dif-
ferent. Physics has never observed
in the study of even the tiniest par-
ticles, electrons, protons, etc., of
which all known bodies are com-
posed, anything similar to that we
call life. Nor have the most ardent
vitalists ever been able to isolate life
from matter. Perhaps much of the
unnecessary discussion might be
avoided if we would remember that
a group of entities might exhibit
properties which may not be char-
acteristic of the individuals that
compose the group. Everyone knows
that a gas possesses properties like
pressure, temperature, entropy, etc.,
which cannot be independently ex-
hibited by the molecules that com-
pose it. So, too, life and its attendant
attributes may simply be properties
of the atoms, depending in some as
>et unknown way upon their ar-
rangement.
One need not imagine any incom-
patibility between the developments
of biology and those of physics. No
fact has ever been found in biology
that does not fit in with the laws of
(Please turn to page 44)
New interesting story of . . .
How boilers are built for modern naval and
merchant vessels— how they are installed— how
they function— all this is interestingly narrated
and vividly pictured in a recently-completed
16mm sound film entitled "Steam Power for
American Sea Power". It is a 30-minute educa-
tional movie that students in any phase of engi-
neering will find thoroughly enjoyable and
enlightening. B&W will gladly loan a print with-
out charge for showing to engineering classes
and student groups. Simply drop a line for full
particulars to B&W at the address given here.
42
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
'Intellectual improvement arises from leisure"— s amuel johnson
Why housekeeping gets ^lighter" all the time
". . .Woman's work is never done."
True enough. But today's homemaker — aided by her
modern refrigerator, range, water heater, vacuum cleaner
and other appliances finds more time for family and for
leisure.
And what helps these "automatic servants" operate so
dependably? Better materials for one thing.
Materials on the inside — the unseen working parts of
household standbys. Such as alloy steels, new plastics, car-
bon brushes in motors . . . lighter, more compact materials
that make appliances stand up longer and handle with ease.
Materials, too, that you can see . . . as those stainless steel
surfaces so easy to clean. Or the chemicals in more enduring
waxes and polishes, varnishes and plastic finishes.
Yes, today's housewife enjoys new leisure, new freedom
from drudgery . . . thanks to better materials.
Producing these belter materials and many others— for
the use of science and industry and the benefit of mankind
—is the work of the people of Union Carbide.
FREE: You are invited to send for the illustrated booklet, "Products
and Processes," which describes the ways in which industry uses
UCC's Alloys, Chemicals, Carbons, Gases and Plastics.
Union Carbide
AJT-D CAHBOJV COXJ>OJ?ATJOjr
30 EAST 42ND STREET MM NEW YORK 17, N. Y.
-Products of Divisions and Units include-
Linde Oxygen • Prest-O-Lite Acetylene • Pyrofax Gas • Bakelite, Krene, Vinyon, and Vinylite Plastics
National Carbons • Eveready Flashlights and Batteries • Acheson Electrodes
Prestone and Trek Anti-Freezes • Electromet Alloys and Metals • Haynes Stellite Alloys • Synthetic Organic Chemicals
MAY, 1948
43
(Continued from page 42)
physics. The uncertainty about the
behavior of the individual atoms
need not force us to give up our
attempt to explain the behavior of
the living organisms in terms of its
constituents. Even the smallest liv-
ing cell is composed of vast numbers
of atoms, whose behavior as a group
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
COMPARATORS
CHRONOGRAPHS
SPECTROSCOPES
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROGRAPHS
CATHETOMETERS
OPTICAL BENCHES
INTERFEROMETERS
DIVIDING MACHINES
MICROMETER SLIDES
READING TELESCOPES
MEASURING MICROSCOPES
TOOLMAKER MICROSCOPES
THE GAERTNER SCIENTIFIC
CORPORATION
1206 Wriehtwood Ave.. Chicago
JOHN S. DELMAN
Class of '38
♦
Annuities
Life Insurance
Retirement Plans
Accident & Health
Juvenile Insurance
THE GREAT-WEST LIFE
ASSURANCE CO.
1030 Field Bldg 135 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago 3, III. Randolph 5560
can be determined without violating
the principle of indeterminancy.
Thus, while the controversy be-
tween pre-determination and free-
will and mechanism and vitalism
has not yet received a satisfactory
solution, a powerful group of experi-
mental psychologists known as Be-
haviorists, led by Dr. J. B. Watson,
have been making relentless attacks
against everything that is considered
mental as opposed to material. Born
in America, Behaviorism rapidly es-
tablished itself all over the world
both as a powerful method (the only
reliable one according to Behavior-
ists) of observation and as a philo-
sophy. The Behaviorists start from
the assumption that what can be
learned from objective observation
alone is significant, thus ruling out
the possibility of introspection as a
method of attaining knowledge.
They, therefore, set out to explain
every action in terms of the stimu-
lus-response theory; and, if for no
other reason, the success which they
have achieved is sufficient reason to
claim for Behaviorism a place in any
philosophical discussion. Many of its
doctrines have the peculiar charm
of appealing to the rational type of
mind in spite of their apparent con-
tradiction to traditional ideas. For
example, Behaviorists reduce think-
ing — an accepted mental faculty in
academic psychology — to what they
call sub-vocal speaking and corre-
late it with movements of the
muscles of the larynx. Our emotions,
feeling, memories all have, accord-
ing to them, their Beha vioristic
equivalents. Behaviorism thus ap-
pears to be the main development
in the twentieth century in support
of the materialistic viewpoint of all
the recent scientific developments.
We have so far briefly examined
the various philosophical trends in
the important developments of sci-
ence, and it is now our last business
to consider the possible conse-
quences of the philosophical out-
come of science to human society.
While the consequences of the dis-
coveries of applied science to hu-
manity are at once apparent, the ef-
fect of theoretical developments is
not so obvious to the layman, al-
though they are far more profound
in the long run. We have just wit-
nessed on a collossal scale the effect
of the thoughtless application of
physical science, but a similar ap-
plication of biology and psychology
may be far more dangerous, and if
man is to evolve into a better type,
he must learn to use science before
he takes his evolution into his own
hands. Aldous Huxley in his Brave
New World has given a warning of
the world that may emerge out of
the application, or rather, misappli-
cation of our present knowledge and
power of science.
Science, it is often stated, cannot
help us to decide the right thing to
do, but can only state the result of
such and such an action. When
every conceivable problem the en-
tire universe presents is answered
by science, there still remains the
most important task for mankind —
to build a philosophy based on it,
which alone can provide the basis
for our values. If the purpose of sci-
ence were merely to substitute one
set of beliefs in the place of another,
without suggesting a philosophical
outlook — that deep-seated hunger of
every enquiring soul — science
would hardly have sustained the en-
thusiasm of the most patient explor-
ers of truth, the scientists.
Management Engineers
GRIFFENHAGEN
Established
& ASSOCIATES
n 1911
CONSULTANTS IN
MANAGEMENT
Advice and technical assistance on problems of
policy, organization, procedure, personnel, and finance
Call E. O. Griffenhagen, senior partner, Randolph 3686
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
The PianO BusineSS GetS a LIFT., .when Alcoa Aluminum Castings Replace Heavy Metal
Even a well-trained husband who'll rearrange the
living room every Spring balks at piano-moving.
You can see the main reason above. It's the big
metal plate that holds the strings — and it has
always tipped the scales at around 125 pounds.
No wonder it gave the piano business a lift when
a progressive piano builder replaced the heavy iron
plate with one weighing 45 pounds — made of
Alcoa Aluminum. As perfected, this big casting
from our foundries is strong to resist the 18-ton
pull of the taut strings. It is stabilized to provide
tonal quality and stay in tune. And its cost today is
competitive with the old-fashioned cast-iron plate.
With other advantages, in other industries Alcoa
&m©/A
Castings are effecting similar changes. In one
plant, their corrosion resistance means no painting,
simple finishing. In another, they are liked for
their superior machinability. In still another, they
are preferred for the ease with which they swing
through production, where iron castings had to be
hauled by truck or hoisted on heavy cranes.
The change from heavy metal castings to Alcoa
Aluminum Castings is a revolutionary switch in
product engineering. Old, old habits are being
questioned as engineers re-evaluate metals — with
a sharper eye than ever before focused on Alcoa
Aluminum. Aluminum Company of America,
Gulf Building, Pittsburgh 19, Pennsylvania.
rst in ALUMINUM
Just 60 years ago six young men started a tiny
business in a little shed in Pittsburgh. They began
to make aluminum by a new process. That was
the beginning of what is now Alcoa. Alcoa's aim,
then and now, was to make aluminum cheaper
and more useful. How successfully that has
been done is shown by the fact that America
today has the greatest aluminum industry in
the world, employing around 1,000,000 people
in the manufacture of aluminum in its many
shapes and forms or in making many useful prod-
ucts in which aluminum plays an essential part.
MAY, 1948
45
Trends In Industrial Research
(Continued from page 16)
industrial research for mid-contin-
ental industry, developing new uses
for existing agricultural produce, and
developing the resources of farm,
forest, mines, and wel's of the region
are primary objectives.
The total research expenditures
during the last fiscal year amounted
to $450,000, demonstrating a re-
markable growth in the three years
of Midwest's existence. At the end of
the fiscal year the staff numbered
100, of which 60 were technical and
40 were non-technical personnel.
Midwest Research Institute is now
conducting research in agricultural
chemistry, organic chemistry, inor-
ganic chemistry, physics, and engi-
neering mechanics. At the present
time there are 30 major research
projects active, not including short-
term investigations on advisory serv-
ices to industry.
The Southern Research Institute
at Birmingham, Alabama is a non-
profit organization, founded in 1945,
supported by private capital sub-
scriptions and endowments, and
making its services and facilities
available to industry on a fee basis
fully protecting the sponsor's inter-
ests. The Institute is doing industrial
research in plastics, applied chemis-
try, physics, metallurgy, engineering,
food technology, biochemistry, and
organic chemistry.
Research expenditures for the year
of 1947 will exceed $300,000, an
increase of about $100,000 over the
previous year. There are at present
40 active research investigations.
During October, 1947. the research
efforts were distributed as follows:
69% in industrial contracts; 15% for
government agencies; 14% in the
biochemistry of disease, and 2% on
Institute sponsored research.
The organization of Southern Re-
search Institute now consists of about
80 persons, of whom 48 are on the
technical staff and 32 are on the
service staff.
The Southwest Research Institute,
an endowed organization for scien-
tific study founded by Tom Slick,
was dedicated September 11, 1947
on the Essar Ranch, 7 miles from
San Antonio.
The new laboratory includes
chemical and biological units, engi-
neering departments, and a complete
machine shop. Further expansion
of facilities is expected as soon as
materials are available. The second
laboratory of the Institute, devoted
to petroleum chemistry and tech-
nology, is expected to be located in
Houston.
Although barely started, South-
west already has enough business to
keep its present laboratories operat-
ing at near capacity. This expanding
organization currently has a staff of
40. The Southwest Research Insti-
tute is the third and final part of a
research organization which also
embraces the Foundation of Applied
Research, now working on agricul-
tural and medical studies, and the
Institute of Inventive Research,
which aids inventors in developing
their ideas.
Leading industrialists of California
and the Pacific Northwest recently
cooperated in the establishment of
Stanford Research Institute, which
is a non-profit organization designed
to undertake any type of investiga-
tion needed by industry or govern-
ment. It is equipped to study prob-
lems in business organization, indus-
trial relations, personnel procedures
and marketing, as well as to do tech-
nical research in physics, chemistry,
engineering and biology.
(Please turn to page 48)
Biologists at work in the animal
Southern Research Institute.
room of the biochemistry division.
46
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
THE EYE THAT SEES
6,000,000,000,000,000.000,000 MILES
Tomorrow a new door to the
secrets of the universe will be-
gin to open. A door through
anomers will be able to see
6,000,000,000,000,000.000,000 miles in-
to space — twice as far as ever before. It is
the giant telescope atop Mt. Palomar, so
powerful that the canals of Mars, il there are
any, will for the first time be photographed.
It all began 12 years ago when Corning
cast the glass for the famous 200" telescope
mirror — the world's largest piece of glass —
after most experts said it couldn't be done.
For
elopec
big disc Corninj
special glass — tin
itists de
material that would insure the permanence,
stability and accuracy demanded by the
telescope's designers. This glass is similar
to that used for Pyrex ware and Pyrex in-
dustrial glass piping. Making the disc was
a job Corning took in its stride, because it
is accustomed to finding practical solutions
to all kinds of glass problems. Its research
laboratory has contributed to the develop-
ment of more than 37,000 different items,
ranging from simple custard cups to tele-
vision bulbs, laboratory ware, optical glass,
and Steuben artware.
If Corning has a specialty, it is the ability
of its skilled engineers and craftsmen to
translate research into glassware to solve
modern problems. With labor and raw
material costs constantly on the rise, glass
may some day help you keep down the cost
of your product.
Or glass may help you make your future
product easier to sell. In either case, re-
member to write Corning Glass Works,
Corning, New York.
IN PYREX WARE AND OTHER CONSUMER, TECHNICAL AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS ►
0RNING
MAY, 1948
47
(Continued from page 46)
Under the plan, all companies,
both large and small, may use the
services of experts in a wide variety
of fields to carry on independent
research or to supplement their own
activities.
While the organization is entirely
separate from the university, it will,
nevertheless, draw upon the Univer-
sity faculty in its work, in addition
to having its own staff of technicians
and scientists.
One example of the engineering
research and development organiza-
tions recently organized is Engineer-
ing Research Associates, Inc., in
Minneapolis. At the close of the war,
a group of scientists and engineers
who had worked together in the
Navy resolved to continue their re-
search and development as a private
enterprise. Engineering Research
Associates was incorporated January
8, 1946, supplementing the techni-
cal skills and training of the group
with the management, fiscal organi-
zation, and facilities of the North-
western Aeronautical Corporation.
At the present time Engineering Re-
search Associates has offices in
Washington, D. C, as well as in Min-
neapolis, has a staff numbering 450,
and is carrying out research and de-
velopment work under contracts
amounting to more than S3 million
annually.
The primary objectives of Engi-
neering Research Associates are in
the fields of research and develop-
ment. However, in order to insure
that research and development will
lead as far as possible toward public
benefits, the organization undertakes
certain limited production of equip-
ment that gives a strong impetus to
the practical solution of research and
development problems.
More than at any time in the
past years, both industry and gov-
ernment are "farming out" their re-
search problems to organizations of
the type discussed above. It is becom-
ing increasingly evident that the role
of the independent research organi-
zation will be a responsible one in-
deed. To them industry looks for a
substantial part of future industrial
progress, a greater production of
better products at reduced cost,
opening new avenues of better liv-
ing to all people.
The Government In Research
Before World War II our federal
government paid about one-fifth of
the nation's research costs, while in-
dustry, research organizations, uni-
versities and colleges financed the
remainder. The war brought about
a complete reversal of this situation
as industry concentrated on produc-
tion and the government spent great-
ly increased sums for the develop-
ment of existing weapons and the dis-
covery of new ones.
Since the war, governmental ex-
penditures for research have dropped
less than one-third while industry ha*
increased from its S80 million annual
outlay for research during the war to
a figure six to eight times that
amount. According to the Report of
(Please turn to page 50)
FOR RESEARCH IN
RADIOACTIVITY
3%" x 2Y B " x lYi"; Weight 3y 2 oz.
Lindemann Electrometer
This instrument was originally designed for use in
connection with photo-electric measurements of light in
astronomical work. It is now used extensively for the
determination of radioactive emission. Compact and
stable, it has high sensitivity, stable zero, and does not
require levelling. The capacitance of the instrument is less
than 2 cm. For general use, the instrument is placed upon
a microscope stand and the upper end of the needle ob-
served, illumination being obtained in the usual way
through a window in the electrometer case.
Write for descriptive literature
CAMBRIDGE INSTRUMENT CO., INC.
Pioneer Manufacturers of Precision /nsfrumenfs
3756 Grand Centra! Terminal, New York 17
pH Meiers and Recorders, Galvanometers, Gas Analyzers, Fluxmeters, Exhaust
48
FREEDOM
Is
Everybody's Job!
The Freedom Train
wjl! be in Chicago July
5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 with
three carloads of price-
less American docu-
ments. . . .
Plan to Visit
THE FREEDOM TRAIN
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
W II l> YOU and BOB HOPE RELAX . .
WHETHER you shoot fiolf in the low 70"s, like Boh *'Hol
in-One" Hope, or celehrate when you hreak 100. you'
find Pahst Blue Rihhon Beer is always a pleasant, frienc
companion.
That ever-faithful, real beer flavor you enjoy in Pah
Blue Rihhon was achieved hy 104 years of pioneering in the
Art of Brewing . . . and the Science of Blending.
in;:, hy comparing, you will understand why mil-
lions have settled down to the real heer enjoyment that
comes with blended, splendid Pahst Blue Rihhon.
Tune in the EDDIE CANTOR Show Every Thursday Night over NBC.
33 FINE BREWS Itl IMII II INTO ONE l.lth AT BEER
MAY, 1948
49
(Continued from page 48)
John R. Steelman to the president,
the government spent approximately
$625 million for research in the fiscal
year 1947, exclusive of the atomic
energy budget. Today there is little
difference between the annual ex-
penditures for research by govern-
ment and by industry. Steelman esti-
mated research expenditures by in-
dustry at $450 million, but others
feel the total is probably higher and
might reach $600 million or possibly
even $700 million. Whatever the rela-
tive expenditures may be, it is evi-
dent that the federal government has
greatly increased its expenditures for
basic scientific knowledge and the
application of that knowledge, and
that expenditures are likely to stay
very high.
The government owns and oper-
ates research facilities valued at ap-
proximately $1.5 billion, not includ-
ing atomic energy development and
production projects which probably
double that figure. Thirty thousand
scientists are now employed directly
by the government and there are
some 60 agencies which have dis-
tributed projects through all forty-
eight states.
Mr. Steelman, in Vol. II of Science
and Public Policy, gives the Federal
research expenditures, by agency, for
the fiscal year 1947 as follows:
Navy Department $262,000,000
War Department 237,000,000
Agriculture Department 31.328,000
Interior Department 30,358,000
Natl. Advisory Comm. for
Aeronautics 27,000,000
Federal Security Agency 13,236,000
Commerce Department 10,494,000
Federal Loan Agency
(R.F.C.) 4,699,000
Tennessee Valley Authority 3,654,000
Veteran's Administration.. 2,523,000
Federal Works Agency 822,000
Smithsonian Institution 309,000
Treasury Department ._. 220,000
Federal Communications
Commission . 200,000
Maritime Commission 87,000
It is estimated that, over-all, $570
million of the $625 million spent by
government was used for applied
research and development. Further,
it is estimated that $465 million out
of $500 million spent by military
agencies was for applied research
and development.
Of the $625 million spent on re-
5u
The photomicrograph, made at Armour Research Foundation, shows a
thin film of Vitamin K taken with crossed nichols to bring out twin bands
and other structural features. Studies of this type are quite useful in
optical crystallographic work.
search, government owned labora-
tories did only about $200 million of
the work. The remainder was done
by industrial laboratories, by re-
search organizations and by univer-
sities and colleges. Merely directing
the program of government research
has become a major operation, yet
it is expected that the federal budget
for research will be increased by at
least two-thirds and possibily dou-
bled within the next ten years.
Whenever private industry is un-
likely or unable to pursue research
urgently required in the nation's in-
terest on an adequate scale, the
federal government and the state
governments must take the respon-
sibility. For example, prior to the
war, research and development in
agriculture consumed a large part of
the research budget; individual farm-
ers cannot afford to do research, yet
the improvement of their methods
and the search for new and basic
scientific information in agriculture
is vital to the nation's interest. In the
1946 report of the administrator of
agricultural research, it is stated that
from a total investment of $10 mil-
lion in research on hybrid corn, the
nation is now collecting annual divi-
dends of at least three quarters of a
billion dollars. Research on small
grains by federal and state labora-
tories is believed to have added half
a billion dollars each year to the
national wealth. An investment of
less than one million dollars in sugar
cane research has increased the an-
nual value of sugar cane crop by
more than $20 million.
In addition to research for the de-
velopment of the nation's resources,
to further its basic industries, for
public health, for public safety, for
the maintenance of adequate and
reliable industrial technical stand-
ards and for the development of pre-
cision scientific standards, the gov-
ernment now has the responsibility
to support basic and applied research
necessary to maintain our military
security. The international situation
since the close of the war has neces-
sitated the continuation of research
in this direction.
It is generally agreed that authori-
ty granted by Congress to the various
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
departments and agencies is suffici-
ent for the establishment of a sound
research and development program.
A large part of the funds granted
under this authority are now used to
sponsor research in industrial or uni-
versity laboratories, and such support
will likely be expanded in the future.
Government research and devel-
opment expenditures during the war
were 83% for the military agencies.
The percentage remains about the
same since the war. During the war
an emotional factor welded science
and the armed forces into a victori-
ous team. Now the emotional factor,
although not gone, is considerably
lessened even though the percentage
of government funds being spent for
military research and development
has remained about the same. This is
the problem with which the military
agencies, much more enlightened and
recognizing for the first time the
absolute necessity for scientific re-
search, is faced.
Research and development units
in the army, navy, and air force are
not new things but they are new "big"
things. Branches of the military have
a new awareness of the necessity for
research and development. Such an
awareness is made evident in their
research programs and their deter-
mination to push those programs to
completion. Examples of this attitude
may be seen in talks delivered before
the Engineering College Research
Council meeting in Washington in
November 1947 by Admiral Paul P.
Lee, chief of the Office of Naval Re-
search; General H. S. Aurand, re-
search and development director of
the Army; General L. C. Craigie,
research and development director
of the Air Force; and Dr. L. R.
Hafsted, executive secretary of the
Research and Development Board,
National Military Establishment. In
the words of Admiral Lee, "The war
demonstrated most forcefully that
the security of the United States is, to
a very large degree, dependent upon
our national scientific strength. It is
demonstrated that from purely basic
research studies comes knowledge
which can have a profound effect
upon the conduct of war. It is demon-
strated that the civilian scientist and
the man in uniform must work to-
gether if they are to apply our sci-
entific knowledge to problems of
national security".
Admiral Lee stated that the Navy
Department has under contract
"something over 600 research proj-
ects in about 100 universities and
nonprofit laboratories. By the end of
this fiscal year we will have obligated
over $50 million for the support of
this program. We have planned to
stabilize it at an annual expenditure
level of $22 million."
General Aurand stated that, under
the direction of the Research and
Development Division of the army,
"the technical services have at pres-
ent contracted for 605 basic research
investigations, roughly 10% of which
are being carried on by universities
and colleges".
General Craigie said, "at present
there are 54 universities engaged in
research and development work for
the Air Forces, working under 242
contracts. These contracts cover re-
search projects for the 12 different
laboratories of the Air Material Com-
mand, and represent more than 10%
of the 1947 research and develop-
ment funds".
The National Research and De-
velopment Board, represented by Dr.
Hafsted at the Engineering College
Research Council conference, is a
new organization, but it is actually
an outgrowth of the Joint Research
and Development Board chartered
during the war, established to avoid
duplication of efforts.
John R. Steelman states in his
report to the president that "it is
vital that the funds for basic support
of research be administered with the
advice of an imaginative group of
scientists". Here Steelman is alluding
to the National Science Foundation.
Congress passed, but President Tru-
man disapproved, a bill for the estab-
lishment of such a foundation during
the 80th Congress. There was, and is,
controversy on the advisability of
creating such an organization. In his
Memorandum of Disapproval, dated
August 6, 1947, the President gave as
his reason for disapproval the fact
that the representative group of sci-
entists was given full responsibility
for the administration of the Founda-
tion. In his message the President
said the role of the scientists should
be "more appropriately one of advis-
ory nature rather than one of full
responsibility."
To quote the Steelman report on
the matter of the Foundation: "It is
. . . recommended that the Congress
be urged to establish at its next ses-
sion a National Science Foundation
within the Executive Office of the
President and that the Foundation
be authorized to spend $50 million in
support of basic research its first
year, with increasing amounts there-
after rising to an annual rate of at
least $250 million by 1957. No re-
striction should be placed on the
fields of inquiry eligible for support.
"The National Science Foundation
should be headed by a director ap-
pointed by the president and as-
sisted by a part-time advisory board
of distinguished scientists and edu-
cators similarly appointed. It is rec-
ommended that this advisory board
be appointed half within the govern-
ment and half without. The federal
government's share in the national
science program makes it imperative
that the government's scientific
agencies be represented in the plan-
ning of the basic research program.
"Moreover, a portion of the monies
expended in support of basic research
should take the form of grants from
the government's scientific bureaus
and agencies themselves. This is an
important means of strengthening
contacts between the government
and private scientists, of keeping both
groups informed of work in progress,
and of strengthening our total scien-
tific effort.
"It is clear that a portion of the
funds expended by the National Sci-
ence Foundation should be used to
strengthen the weaker, by promising
colleges and universities, and thus to
increase our total scientific poten-
tial."
Later in his report Steelman
states:
"While the large role contem-
plated by the federal government
(Please turn to page 52)
MAY, 1948
51
(Continued horn page 51)
will not necessarily be reflected in a
comparable increase in federally-
owned and operated facilities, con-
siderable increase is desirable."
And further: "Except in event of
military emergency, it is unlikely
that the Federal Government will
have to finance the necessary expan-
sion in industrial research facilities.
We should have a favorable climate
for such expansion through tax incen-
tives and other established methods,
without making direct grants to in-
dustry."
When the bill for the National
Science Foundation came up for de-
bate in the 80th session of Congress,
it met some opposition from research
men in industry and in private re-
search organizations. The opposition
was directed against the govern-
ment's engaging in research and was
based on the tenet that basic research
could best be promoted by tax in-
centives to industry to induce them
to finance fundamental scientific re-
search.
Opposition to the passage of the
bill also was based on the belief that
greater diversity in research activi-
ties and freedom from political in-
fluence can be obtained only by
encouraging private enterprise to fur-
nish funds.
A bill introduced into the 80th
Congress on February 5, 1947 would
have made the Department of Com-
merce a clearing house for scientific
and technical information. This bill
died in committee. It was not revived
although certain portions of it reap-
peared in the National Science Foun-
dation bill.
It is very likely that legislation will
be introduced in the next congress to
create a National Science Founda-
tion, and it is not unlikely that nec-
essary legislation to make the Foun-
dation a reality will be enacted. It is
also not unlikely that legislation will
be reintroduced to create more ex-
tensive authority for the Department
of Commerce to provide a technical
service to industry.
Research In The
International Field
Although American firms have
studied the products and resources of
foreign countries in their own labora-
tories, seeking new sources of supply
for raw materials and seeking new
products for development, few of
them have conducted scientific in-
vestigations in the foreign field. It is
true, of course, that other firms have
provided engineering and technical
assistance on a consulting basis to
foreign governments and industries,
and in this manner a considerable
amount of American technology has
been exported.
In 1942 the Corporation para la
Promocion del Intercambio of Argen-
tina commissioned Armour Research
Foundation in Chicago to conduct a
study of Argentine industries for the
purpose of:
1. Discovering ways in which scien-
tific research can best be applied
to the improvement of Argentine
products already in production.
layouts
engravings
four color printing
office supplies
binding
tags
catalogues
magazines
HAYWOOD PUBLISHING COMPANY
5th and Ferry Sts. Phone 4085
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
52
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
2. Discovering ways in which scien-
tific research can be undertaken
toward increasing or creating de-
mand for Argentine raw materi-
als.
3. Discovering ways in which certain
Argentine raw materials can be
used to alleviate shortages within
the country.
4. Calling attention, where possible,
to opportunities for applying
known technology which might
have been overlooked in the con-
duct of some Argentine industrial
and agricultural operations.
Specifically studied were jute,
hides and leather, minerals, dairy
products, grains, chemicals, forest
products, vegetable oils and fuels in-
dustries. The survey in many respects
formed a pattern for similar studies
which may be made for Argentine
and other foreign countries and has
led to the development of a number
of helpful procedures.
To help develop an orderly pro-
gram of industrialization in certain
fields of Mexican endeavor, and to
promote the development of indus-
trial technology in Mexico, Banco de
Mexico undertook in 1945 a coordi-
nated series of studies in fields asso-
ciated with its diversified responsi-
bilities and the national interest. At
the instigation of its Director Gen-
eral, Banco de Mexico requested
Armour Research Foundation to
make a technological audit of major
areas of Mexican industrial activity,
including coal, coke and other solid
fuels and by-products, hides, leather,
hard fibers, and forest products in
general, together with related indus-
tries and associated activities in agri-
culture, technical education, and re-
search.
The basic survey was completed
and published at the end of 1945, but
numerous special research projects
and laboratory investigations were
continued well into 1946. In April of
1947, Banco de Mexico arranged for
a new and expanded program. Proj-
ects now in progress include : evalua-
tion of a packing house by-products
industry in Mexico; a comprehensive
study of fats and oils native to
Mexico as raw materials for both
new and established industries; eval-
uation of fluorspar deposits with a
view toward their benefication, and
the stablization and nutritional im-
provement of the tortilla masa.
Countries in Central and South
America are becoming more con-
scious of the essential role that tech-
nology and research can play in the
improvement of living standards for
their people, in the impetus toward
industrialization, and in the futher-
ing of their national economy. For-
tunately this view is beginning to be
shared by leaders of government, in-
dustry and banking everywhere.
Financial and government leaders
in the United States are also recog-
nizing that scientific knowledge, re-
search skills, and technological
knowledge form an important export
commodity to assure a continued
supply of raw materials for our in-
dustry, to maintain an active foreign
trade, to provide for hemispherical
security, and to increase the standard
of living for our country.
The Management- Of Research
Research management and organi-
zation have their own peculiar and
characteristic problems. That this
field of management is attracting
great interest at this time is verified
by the several conferences on re-
search management held during the
year, and by the great interest in
graduate courses and seminars on the
subject.
The Engineering College Research
Council held a well-attended three-
day meeting in Minneapolis in June
of 1947. Great interest was shown by
a large attendance of industrial, uni-
versity and government representa-
tives. Proceedings of this conference,
as well as the previous one held
under the same auspices in 1946, are
published in booklet form.
Pennsylvania State College con-
ducted a conference on Research
Management in October of 1947,
again very well attended by numer-
ous representatives of industrial lab-
oratories, universities and govern-
ment research agencies. Proceedings
of the conference will be available
early in 1948.
The Industrial Research Institute
regularly holds two or more confer-
ences each year to consider the many
problems connected with operation
of research laboratories in industry.
Graduate courses and seminars on
research management, pioneered by
New York University, have been con-
tinued at that institution, and have
been conducted at Illinois Institute
of Technology and at Pennsylvania
State College.
Such conferences have empha-
sized the fact that management of
research cannot be fitted into a def-
inite pattern even to the extent pos-
sible in most fields of management,
and that each laboratory with its
peculiar conditions of personnel, ob-
jectives, and background presents a
unique situation taxing the utmost
skill, ingenuity and understanding on
the part of its management to secure
maximum creative productiveness.
The growing shortage of technical
manpower will make even more dif-
ficult the problems of management,
since the skills, abilities, experience
and knowledge of able scientists must
be spread even thinner over the
rapidly multiplying and increasingly
complex problems brought to the
laboratory for solution.
Research In Management
The place of research in manage-
ment is receiving an increasing
amount of attention and interest. Dr.
Raymond Stevens, vice president of
Arthur D. Little, Inc., pointed out
(Please turn to page 54)
MAY, 1948
53
(Continued from page 53)
before the June 1947 meeting of the
Industrial Research Institute that it
was not uncommon a short time ago
for management to be divided into
three parts: production, sales, and
finance, with the head of the organi-
zation either a production, sales or
financial man depending upon force
of personality or family inheritance.
The three parts were the complete
triumvirate of management.
"Research is now being accepted
as a portion of this policy-and-deci-
sion-making group". Dr. Stevens con-
tinued. "Today's research director
may have the same title as that of
thirty years ago but he has much
greater responsibility."
There is a decided trend to make
the chief research officer a part of
top-management, frequently with
the title of vice president, and to
depend on him to take a prominent
part in policy decisions. Dr. Stevens
suggests that the research director
must:
1. Know and help formulate the
over-all future policy of the com-
pany.
2. Plan for products and processes
leading in the right direction.
3. Not only explore scientific and
technical areas but examine mar-
kets, patents, costs and competi-
tion.
4. Be as thorough in his economic
as in his technical examination of
a new development.
5. Create and prove new products
and processes that will reach an
attractive market, be free of pat-
ent or other important restriction,
meet competition, and make a
profit.
Maurice Holland, Industrial Re-
search Adviser, reports a recent sur-
vey on What Management Expects
of Research and lists the following
in the order rated by the manage-
ment of several companies:
New products.
Maintenance of competitive
technical position.
Cutting production costs.
Sales volume and net profit on
new processes and products.
Serve production through devel-
opment of new and improved
processes.
6. Be on the level or in advance of
the best managed laboratories
of the leading companies.
7. Operate like other departments
of the company, not as "prima
donnas" of special privilege.
8. Serve the chief executive in long
range planning.
9. Demonstrate the dollar value of
research.
10. Assist sales with technical
service.
Thus research in industry, and its
place in the corporate structure, is
becoming more than a mere "fact-
finding" unit concerned solely with
scientific exploration. As the fountain
head of new products, processes, and
developments, it has an important
place in determining long range in-
dustrial policy and in providing a
needed service to production, sales,
and distribution as well as an advis-
ory service to financial management.
Industrial recognition of this new
role is unmistakable.
BEHIND IT... A LITTELL FEED
Automobiles are beautifully made, surprisingly low
in cost. "Behind" the automobile you will find modern
Littell Feeds that handle ten ton coils of ribbon steel,
making possible automatic stamping and "nesting" of
fenders, hood tops, knee action parts and other
components, an important factor in economical
automobile fabrication.
LITTELL
F.
54
LITTELL MACHINE CO.
'ENSWOOD AVENUE . CHICAGO 13, ILLINOIS
fUFK/N hi-wa
the toughest treotment. Special
steel line has "Nubian" finish— dead
black background with markings
cut deeply into bright portions for
eading ease ond accuracy. Easily
detached from husky metal rest. Write
for free catalog. THE LUFKIN RULE CO.,
SAGINAW, MICHIGAN, New York City.
DURABILITY
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
WHEN YOU
HANG THAT HAT
IN SOMEBODY'S
INDUSTRY
Are you going to hang up a lot of useful habits along with
it . . . OR . . . are you going to use those habits to give you
a flying start on your career?
There's the habit, for example, of reaching for an author-
itative McGraw-Hill book to answer the toughest problems
they can throw at you in an engineering course. That's one
you can use to good advantage for the rest of your business
life. To it, add the habit of reaching for the latest McGraw-
Hill magazine, edited especially for your industry, to keep
abreast of up-to-the-minute trends and developments.
For years, the keenest technical minds in industry have
funneled their best thinking into McGraw-Hill books and
magazines, building up a reservoir of useful information
larger than any one business could ever acquire for itself.
That's why McGraw-Hill is known as '-Headquarters for
Industrial Information."
It will pay you to keep the McGraw-Hill habit.
McGRAW-HILL
PUBLICATIONS
HEADQUARTERS FOR INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION
330 WEST 42nd STREET • NEW YORK 18, NEW YORK
MAY, 1948
55
Technical Words
(Continued from page 17)
ing the eyelids), alkali (Arabic for
calcined ashes, related to the verb
meaning to try), camphor (traced all
the way back to Sanskrit), naphtha
(of uncertain oriental origin), and
quinine (from the Peruvian word for
bark of a tree). Nicotine is one of the
few chemical substances named after
an individual — Jacques Nicot,
French ambassador to Portugal, who
introduced tobacco into France in
1560. Native Germanic roots appear
but infrequently, in words of basic or
many meanings such as heat or crack,
or in strays such as the verb sinter
(cognate with cinder).
The ratio of Latin to Greek loans
in physics is comparable to that in
mathematics, rather than in chemis-
try. Latin to French to English is a
most frequent line of movement.
Such basic monosyllables as flux,
force, lens, power, sound, and stress
are of Latin origin, worn smooth of
suffixes by centuries of handling in
English. Nucleus, pendulum, spec-
Printing
THE CHIEF PRINTING CO.
6911 South Chicago Avenue
Telephone MIDway 2100
CHICAGO
LETTERHEADS
To business correspondents who do not
know you personally, or who have not
seen your place of business, your letter-
head reflects tee personality of your firm
w. Blacks
FRANK
432 South Dearborn • Chicago
cJJetUrlteacl cJtyltsis
GINN and COMPANY
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS
2301-2311 Prairie Avenue
Chicago 16, Illinois
trum, and vacuum, of later arrival,
show their classical origin more plain-
ly. The basic language of physics is
widely known, which is to say a large
group of Latin borrowings is widely
known — motion and temperature,
gravitation and volume, attraction
and velocity, to cite a few at random.
The Greek element, though much
smaller, contains such familiar items
as atom, energy, gram, meter, and
prism, as well as rarities such as
entactic and laogonic and recent
adaptations such as dyne and erg.
Lever, gage, battery, and buoyancy,
appearing in that order, represent a
small French element in physics.
Teutonic survivals include terms for
spatial dimensions (depth, width), a
couple of fundamental terms in me-
chanics (gear, shear), and the ancient
speed and not so ancient stretch.
In that part of physics concerned
with electricity and magnetism, Latin
is the major source for words, as we
would expect from precedents. From
antenna and armature through lami-
nation and motor to terminal and
transmit — all through the electri-
cian's alphabet Latin stems abound
as the largest group from a single
origin. Large numbers of Romance
stems were immediately from
French; a sharp line between Latin
and French borrowings is especially
impracticable here. Electric itself is
from the Greek word for amber, the
substance in which electrical attrac-
tion was first observed. Related
Process Machinery
F. M. deBeers & Associates
20 N. Wacker Drive Rand. 2326
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
Process Machinery and Equipment
• MULTIPLE effect evaporators — all types.
• F.C. CONCENTRATORS — for high den-
sity work.
• FILTERS — Valler Pressure Units — contin-
uous pressure type — all styles rotary vac.
drum niters.
• SPIRAL, plate-type, counter-flow heat ex-
changers.
• CENTRIFUGALS — perforate and solid
baskets — any metal. Centroid speed con-
trol.
• MULTI-STAGE VACUUM UNITS — for
vac. cooling — vac. refrigeration. Steam jet
equipment — condensers.
• CHEMICAL STONEWARE — Mid-We«t-
em representatives General Ceramics Co.
56
words have followed electric ( 1600),
with Franklin contributing electrify
and electrician, and with electricize
(1872) as a relatively young addi-
tion. Familiar borrowings from Greek
include anode, dynamo, static, and
telephone. Damp, ground, lightning,
short, spark, wave, and wire are from
native Germanic roots, some of which
have obviously undergone extension
of meaning. Electricity lacks exotics,
but is perhaps the field in which
proper names figure most conspicu-
ously. Familiar to electrical workers
are the names of the Frenchmen
Ampere and Coulomb, the Italians
Galvini and Volta, the Englishmen
Faraday, Joule, Watt, and Wheat-
stone, and the Germans Gauss and
Ohm. Ingenuity has been at work,
and for a unit of conductance, the
reciprocal of resistance (ohm), mho
has been established. The backward
spelling daraf is less well-rooted.
Radar, made up of initials, offers no
possibilities for inversion.
The passage from electrical to me-
chanical engineering is a passage
from the relatively newly discovered
to what is to a considerable extent
centuries old. Of all the subject mat-
ter fields here considered, only ma-
chinery provides a place where Ger-
manic derivations approach in fre-
quency the Latin-French borrowings.
Germanic forms such as mold, nail,
ore, shaft, tool, wedge, and wheel
have been in English for over a thou-
sand years. Many more are long-
lived northerners: hammer and
tongs; anvil, shank, spindle, and stud:
wrench, weld, clutch; etc. These are
no ink-horn terms introduced by
pedants. Though Latin loans disk,
spi>«, and die are homely enough,
others betray recent and academic
importation: centigrade and cruci-
ble, ferrous and ignition, lubricant
and torque. Greek figures far less —
automatic, eccentric, the therm fam-
ily, and a few others.
A sampling of metallurgical terms
shows general linguistic sources in
the following order of frequency:
Latin-French, first by a great margin:
Germanic roots, a decisive second:
Greek, a poor third. Yet metallurgy
itself goes back to Greek origins.
Germanic stock includes cast, frorft,
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
melt, ore, oven, slag, and smelt.
Words entering from French include
alloy, forge, foundry, roast, and vol-
atile, while others have more imme-
diate contact with Latin origins:
amalgamate, centrifugal, precipitate,
and resilience.
Greek figures prominently, how-
ever, in the language of meteorology.
The weather has been talked about
for a long time. Cloud, drizzle, mist,
rain, and wind go back in unbroken
line to Old English, and hail, snow,
and hoarfrost have been traced to the
pre-historic continental Teutons. The
learned jargon, though, is classical,
as is characteristics of all branches of
science. Besides general terms which
happen to appear in meteorological
language, Latin contributes the cloud
names — altocumulus, cirrus, fracto-
stratus, noctilucent. Greek items are
largely highly technical — nephology
(the study of clouds), isotherm,
pyrheliometer, troposphere — though
climate and cyclone are familiar
enough, and atmosphere, thermome-
ter, and meterorology itself have been
thoroughly popularized. Of particu-
lar interest are Arabic monsoon and
typhoon and Spanish hurricane and
tornado, showing as they do a corre-
lation between geography and vo-
cabulary. Blizzard and chinook are
American contributions, as are many
phrases.
The dominance of Latin and the
prominence of Greek, repeatedly
cited above, are far more character-
istic of scientific than of colloquial
English or of non-scientific special-
ized vocabularies. The fields of law
and music present a distinct contrast
in origins. In law, there is a large
group of words that are unmodified
French. Latin and French, thanks to
Roman law and the Norman Con-
quest, dominate the field, to the al-
most total exclusion of Germanic and
Greek derivatives. In music, Italian
is the international tongue, with no-
tations on musical scores uniformly
in unaltered Italian. Middle English,
French, Latin, and Greek, in falling
order, have likewise fed into modern
English musical vocabularies.
So far we have largely isolated
the question whence? To answer
briefly the question when? is to
glance at the chronology of science.
Mathematics is an ancient study,
but its time of most rapid expansion
was shortly after the Renaissance.
Billingsely in the sixteenth century
and Descartes, Napier, and Leibnitz
in the seventeenth did much to enrich
the vocabulary of mathematics.
Physics has a core of terms reaching
far back, and also experienced a con-
siderable seventeenth century expan-
sion, but it has had its greatest burst
of vocabulary additions since the
nineteenth-century triumph of the
industrial revolution. Chemistry was
most prolific of new terms between
1850 and 1880; only a negligible part
of its present vocabulary existed in
English before 1600.
There is a marked correlation be-
tween language of origin and date
of entry. Words of native Germanic
stock were, for the most part, an in-
tegral part of emergent modern Eng-
lish of medieval times. Latin has been
drawn upon constantly, but forms
coming by way of France cluster
around the Renaissance, while still
scholarly borrowings, complete with
Latin case endings, are for the most
part from the nineteenth century or
later. The Greek element (except in
mathematics) is thoroughly discon-
tinuous, consisting of late (nine-
teenth and twentieth century) arti-
ficial borrowings.
As an illustration of the steady in-
flux of Latin stems, consider this
sequence from mathematics: prime
and line (by 1000, though not in a
specifically mathematical sense),
division (1430), triangle (1525),
binomial (1557), rectangle (1571),
sine (1591), decimal (1608), quad-
ratic (1656), calculus (1672), trac-
trix (1727), catenary ( 1 788 ) , folium
(1848), and radian (1879). Greek,
too, is a continuously mined vein in
mathematics: sphere (1300), theo-
rem (1551), polygon (1570), trigo-
nometry (1595), logarithm (1614).
asymptote (1656), hyperbola
(1868), ellipse (1753), conchoid
( 1798), and strophoid ( 1880). With
the dates of these mathematical
terms, contrast the surprisingly short
life of the following basic chemical
terms from Greek: hydrogen ( 1791 ).
phosphorescence (1796), catalysis
(1836), electrolysis (1839), colloid
(1847), picric (1852), kerosene
(1854), osmosis (1867), octane
(1872), proton (1893), isotope
( 1913). Chemists' Latin occasionally
shows some longevity — precipitate
(1594), emulsion (1612), capillary
(1664), effloresce (1775). But
chemistry is essentially a newcomer.
Especially in applied science, the
vocabularies are largely built up by
the appropriation for technical mean-
ings of words earlier naturalized. The
mechanical engineering sampling, for
example, showed the most populated
centuries of entry in any meaning to
be the fourteenth, fifteenth, and six-
teenth, in that order. More technical
meanings, however, appeared in the
nineteenth century than in any other.
In metallurgy, the leaders were again
the fourteenth and the nineteenth,
respectively. In the ancient art of
surveying, the seventeenth led in
both respects; the fourteenth was a
good second in any meaning, but fifth
in surveying senses. An especially
notable instance of borrowing from
naturalized sources is photography,
a field so new that photography it-
self was not coined until 1839. Nega-
tive, plate, positive, print, sensitive,
and sharpness had all been in the
English language for five hundred
years before they took on photog-
raphic senses. In contrast, the legal
vocabulary experienced its most
rapid growth between 1550 and
1650, and experienced an increment
of little more than 10 per cent during
the nineteenth century.
This treatment can only faintly
suggest the wealth of historic detail
(Please turn to page 58)
MAY, 1948
57
Molding by CONTROLLED STRUCTURE*
Norton Process That Improves
Grinding Wheel Performance
IN these giant hydraulic presses, skilled Norton workerst
mold grinding wheels by "Controlled Structure" — an ingen-
ious Norton process which makes possible closer control of
the grinding action of a wheel and more precise duplication
of that grinding action in wheel after wheel.
"Controlled Structure" is but one of the many developments
of Norton research which are constantly maintaining world-
wide preference for Norton Abrasives.
Norton research laboratories occupy 75,000 square feet of
floor space equipped with modern apparatus, manned by
a staff of 135 skilled scientists and technicians whose team-
work maintains the steady progress of Norton leadership.
*A patented Norton development.
t Approximately 10^i of Norton worke
rvice record of 25 ye
NORTON COMPANY, WORCESTER 6, MASS.
(BEHR-MANNING, TROY, N. Y. IS A NORTON DIVISION)
58
(Continued horn page 57)
that a student of technical language
may discover. Behind every word
there is a story, eloquent in some de-
gree of the intellectual experience
of English-speaking peoples.
So much for place and date. Mean-
ing is best of all. The familiar mean-
ings and the figures of speech im-
plicit in technical terms can afford
almost limitless entertainment and
insight.
Area, calculus, and cubes are now
names of intangibles, but originally
their roots meant, respectively, va-
cant property in a town, a small
stone, and dice. There is much nat-
ural history — and scientific history,
too — hidden in mathematics and
chemistry. Cissoid and conchoid are
Greek for ivy-like and mussel-like;
limacon is French for snail-shell; and
lens comes from Latin for lentil.
Many chemicals are named after
ancient names for original natural
sources: aconitine from the scientific
name of wolfsbane; allyl from garlic;
amyl from starch; codeine from pop-
py-head; formic from ants; hippuric
from horse's urine; malic from ap-
ples; opium from poppy juice;
methylene from wine of wood; and
phlorizin from root-bark. Viscous
goes back to a sticky bird-lime made
of mistletoe berries. Capric refers to
goats; crystal to clear ice. Miniscus
means little crescent, a diminutive of
the Greek word for moon.
A strangely immortalized bit
of history is represented by the
chemical name cinchonamine
(C19H24N20). The Countess of
Chinchon, a Spanish dignatary in
Peru, was cured of malaria in 1638
by the use of a bark that bears this
alkaloid.
Numerous hard chemical words
make descriptive sense when trans-
lated from Greek — allophanic, ap-
pearing otherwise; atmolysis, vapor-
releasing; cacodyl, stinking; catalysis,
down-loosening; chlorine, light green;
chromogen, color-bearing; colloid,
glue-like; creosore, flesh-preserver;
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
endosmosis, inward-pushing; glycer-
ine, sweet; myristic, ointment; nar-
cotic, benumbing; phosphorescence,
light-bringing; picric, bitter; etc. Phe-
nicine refers to Phoenicia; it is the
technical name of the famous Tyrian
purple dye.
Translation explains other kinds
of scientific words, too: asymptote,
not falling together; subtract, draw
off; tangent, touching; nucleus, ker-
nel; and friction, rubbing. Orifice is
from the Latin words for mouth and
make; lever is French for to raise.
Focal goes back to fireplace or hearth.
The most distant root of engineer is
Latin for to beget — now extended
from progeny to artifacts. The dis-
guise of some loans is easily pierced:
centrifugal, center-fleeing; goemetry,
earth-measure; kinetic, moving; syn-
thetic, put together; telephone, far-
sound.
But there is figure as well as fact
in etymology. Mathematics has its
implied comparisons : cardiod, heart-
shaped; catenary, chain-like; folium,
leaf; line, linen thread; sine, bend;
trapezoid, table. Chemists drew on
Greek mythology to name poisonous
atropine after one of the Fates and
morphine after the god of sleep. The
capillary tube is hair-like; corrosion
is intense gnawing. There is dead
metaphor in the electricians' imped-
ance (shackled feet) and insulate
(make an island).
Semantic change is present, too.
The root of furnace once meant oven,
while that of chimney meant furnace.
Latin galleta, the source of our gal-
lon, meant wine-measure. That word
has become generalized; turbine is
an instance of specialization. The
Latin noun turbo meant anything
turning, from a cyclone to a child's
top. Matter itself, the subject of phys-
ical science, takes its name from
Latin materia, which originally sim-
ply meant wood for fuel or building.
So it goes. Language is a complex
symbolism, a mirror in which we may
catch countless reflections of the
movement of all kinds of human
thought and endeavor, a mirror in
which we may discover innumerable
gleams of meaning which we would
never have found if we had not
looked for them.
Contributors . . .
(Continued from page 4)
in 1941. From 1941 to 1944 he was
a member of the admissions staff at
Lawrence and in 1944 received a
master's degree at the University of
Chicago. He became director of ad-
missions at Illinois Tech in 1944. In
September, 1946, he was appointed
dean of students. Just 29-years-old
at the time, he was believed to be
the youngest dean at any major edu-
cational institution in the country.
He is a member of Phi Delta Kappa
honorary educational society, Delta
Tau Delta social fraternity, and Al-
pha Phi Omega, and a number of
professional organizations.
WALLACE DON
HAMILTON BROS.
Real Estate
CHESTER CHARLES
You Can't
Say "NO!"
To A
Hungry Child . . .
Support the
American Overseas
Aid — United
Nations Appeal
for Children
Send Your
Contributions
to . . .
39 BROADWAY
NEW YORK 6
Screw Machine Products
Planographing
i crew
Machine Products
Specialists with over 25 years
experience in
Manufacture and Design of
Precision Products
Capacity — 1/16" to 2%"
ALL METALS
Qeneval 8ngineeringWorks
4707 W. Division Street ■ Chicago, SI
Telephone Mansfield 2866
We can produce exactly your Office Forms,
Charts, Diagrams, Graphs, Specifications,
Testimonials, House-Organ Magazines, Bul-
letins, Maps and many other items.
No Run Too Long No Run Too Short
Estimates will not obligate you
in any way. WRITE OR CALL
1M0Nroe972I
Photo Printing
ACME C0J&Y CORP.
53 WEST
WABASH 6743
IACKS0N BLVD.
CHICAGO
MAY, 1948
59
Naval Architecture
(Continued from page 20)
1 Wave Length, V2 wave length. '4
wave length, and Va wave length. The
conductor thus absorbs power which
is evidenced in the heat absorbed and
given off. Any wave length multiple
less than Vs can be considered negli-
gible from the standpoint of energy
absorption.
The speed at which an electromag-
netic wave travels is equal to the vel-
ocity of light, or 300,000,000 meters
per second, and the distance which
it will cover in one cycle will be equal
to this velocity divided by the fre-
quency in cycles per second, or the
Wave Length = 300,000,000 meters
frequency
Therefore, Wave Length X fre-
quency = 300,000,000 meters per
second. Wave Length X frequency
= 300 X 10 6 .
The radio frequency output of the
United States Naval Radio Station is
classified as high frequency, from
three (3) or 3 X 10° meters to twen-
ty-five (25) megacycles, or 25 X
10 (1 meters.
Thus, Wave Length = 300 X 10"
3 X 10°
100 meters
Wave Length = 300 X 10 6
25 X 10 fi
= 12 meters
At 100 meters, the multiples of wave
length are:
100 X 39.37" = 328 feet. 328 =
12" 2
164 feet. 328 = 82 feet, 328 = 41
feet
At 12 meters, the multiples of wave
length are:
12 X 39.37" = 39.37, say 40 feet,
12"
40 = 20 feet, 40 = 10 feet, 40 = 5
2 4 8
feet
From the above calculations, it is
determined that any metallic objects
more than five feet in length and co-
inciding with the various multiples
in the frequency range, being the
electrical resonant equivalent, will
absorb radio frequency energy.
Therefore, all steel reinforcing
rods, although primarily calculated
for strength requirements to carry
the roof loads, and the weight of the
materials of construction, and to
withstand earthquake or blast, are
rigidly and continuously bonded to
ground in order to eliminate any
standing waves which would other-
wise occur. Should any bond connec-
tion be broken or be incomplete at
both ends and be of a length equiva-
lent to any multiple of one-half a
wave length, heating can be expected.
It becomes apparent that to insure
an adequate and rigid bonding of the
reinforcing rods and other metallic
items, that welding or brazing is spe-
cified to form a continuous unbroken
metallic electrical path to the ground
bus. The arc welding or brazing
method has been adopted for bond-
ing, not only because of the adequate
power supply available at the site —
the standby power diesel engine gen-
erator — but it has clearly demon-
strated its feasibility in field work.
It appears to be the most suitable
means for getting at the intersections
of the complex and sometimes tightly
knit network of the reinforcing rods
to produce a bond to withstand the
vibrations of concrete as it is being
poured or the jars which may be due
to blast or earthquake.
The Specifications for the United
States Naval Radio Transmitting
Station read in part as follows:
Section 21. Grounding
21-01. General requirements. —
The work includes the grounding of
all metal and equipment in the
Transmitter Building.
21-02. Materials to be grounded
include all structural steel, concrete
reinforcing steel, ladders, wire mesh
partitions and doors, anchors, curb
angles, gravel stops, gutters and
down-spouts, metal lath and studs,
metal windows, metal and metal-
covered doors and their frames and
forms, metal frame screens, bolts,
metal ducts, electrical wiring con-
duits, metal railings, piping, metal
thresholds and all other metal used
in the construction of the building,
except nails and screws. Care shall be
taken so that the trench covers and
trench curb angles shall make a good
electrical contact and that no paint
shall be placed on the trench curb
angles or on the underside of trench
covers. At all points where grounding
connections are made, the metal shall
be cleaned of all paint, rust, dirt,
grease and scale. In general, the only
means considered satisfactory for
bonding steel members for grounding
is by welding or brazing. Painting
specified under another section shall
not be applied until after the ground-
ing connections have been inspected
and approved.
21-03. Grounding of reinforcing
steel. — All reinforcing steel in the
Transmitter Building, including
main bars, temperature bars, fabric
mesh, bar supports, spacers and stir-
rups shall be inter-connected by
welded joints and bonding wires, to
provide a continuous metallic elec-
trical path to the ground bus. All
bonding between reinforcing bars
shall be No. 6 BWG black steel wire
of sufficient length and so placed as
to prevent any tensile stress in the
wire. Lap splices in bars forming an
electrical path to ground, specified to
be welded at every intersection, shall
be made electrically continuous by
bonding across with a No. 6 BWG
wire welded to each bar. Any isolated
reinforcing bar shall be grounded by
bridging with a bonding wire to an
adjacent grounded rod or other
grounded metal part. Above every
window or wall opening, all vertical
bars shall be welded to a horizontal
bar that is grounded by bonding to a
grounded vertical bar.
All vertical bars in each face of
wall shall be welded to the one above
or below to make a continuous elec-
trical path from cornice to founda-
tion. Weld all horizontal bars to
either of these vertical bars on col-
umn centers to assure that each bar is
grounded at least once in each bay.
All vertical bars in walls shall be
welded to the 1 inch square bars at
(Please turn to page 62)
60
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
Hie mt time you hear vote
-ixsmi
It may be your conscience speaking.
It may be saying: "Save some of that money,
mister. Your future depends on it!"
Listen closely next time. Those are words of wis-
dom. Your future — and that of your family — does
depend on the money you put aside in savings.
If you can hear that voice speaking clearly, do
this:
Start now on the road to automatic saving by
signing up on your company's Payroll Savings
Plan for the purchase of U.S. Savings Bonds.
There's no better, no surer way to save money.
Surer because it's automatic . . . better because it
pays you back four dollars for every three you
invest.
Do it now. If you can't join the Payroll Savings
Plan, tell your banker to enroll you in the Bond-
A-Month Plan that enables you to purchase a
bond a month through your checking account.
Remember — better save than sorry!
Automatic saving \$ $m $mnq
VS.Smqs Bonds
Contributed by this magazine in co-operation with the Magazine Publishers of America as a public service
MAY, 1948 61
(Continued from page 60)
first floor elevation to form a girdle
around building.
In roof slabs, weld all bars on col-
umn centers (in slab and beam) to
all crossing bars; at walls, connect all
horizontal bars to vertical bars.
On main and second floor, connect
all bars on center-line of columns to
crossing bars. At walls, connect all
horizontal bars to vertical bars. At
columns, connect one vertical bar to
floor reinforcing, bonding all other
reinforcing to this bar.
21-04. Grounding of conduit. —
All outlet boxes and panel boards
shall be bonded to reinforcing steel.
All conduit shall be bonded at least
every 20 feet either through an out-
let box or by direct bonding to rein-
forcing steel.
21-05. Grounding of equipment.
— All electrical equipment, except as
noted, shall be considered sufficient-
ly grounded through its conduit con-
nections. Care shall be taken to main-
tain the electrical continuity of the
conduit system to the equipment to
be grounded. Mechanical equipment,
not mounted on an integral metal
base with electrical equipment, shall
be grounded separately. Minimum
ground connections shall be No. 6
bare copper.
2 1-06. Grounding of metal doors
and windows. — Door and window
frames shall be bonded to the wall
reinforcing. The doors and windows
shall be considered sufficiently
grounded through their hinges.
21-07. Grounding of miscellane-
ous steel and metal work. — All in-
serts, anchor bolts, angles, columns,
channels, sleeves, sheet metal work
and other metal work shall be
grounded to the reinforcing steel by
welding, or brazing. Removable
trench cover plates shall not be
grounded. Angles and other metal
longer than 10 feet in length shall
be grounded approximately 10 feet
on centers.
21-08. Grounding. — The ground-
ing system in trenches consists of a
network of V& x 2 inch copper bars
supported as shown on the drawings.
Ground rods shall be s /s" x 10 feet
copper-covered steel, with No. 2/0
stranded copper cable connecting
them to the reinforcing steel. All
connections between copper and
reinforcing steel shall be brazed.
21-09. Concrete and masonry
work, containing metal work im-
bedded therein, shall not be per-
formed until grounding of metal
work has been inspected and ap-
proved.
By proper bonding and grounding
of the steel reinforcing rods, metal
doors, window frames, and the like,
which are used for the construction
of a large high frequency radio trans-
mitter type of building, no reflections,
or standing waves and, consequently,
heat absorptions are present.
The effects of standing waves may
be summarized as follows:
( 1 ) A personnel hazard, due to
electric shock or burning; (2) an
absorptive factor in using power
needlessly, resulting in power waste;
(3) a heat factor, causing an expen-
sion of steel reinforcing rods at a
greater rate than the enveloping con-
crete, and weakening the concrete
bond and endangering the structural
effectiveness of the building, and
(4) a maintenance factor, causing
hair-line cracks and flaking of the
concrete and adversely affecting the
architectural appearance.
In addition to arc welding or braz-
ing the network of reinforcing rods
and ground bus bars, bonding wires
are used as a by-pass for radio fre-
quency across the steel and ground
bar lacework. If for any unforeseen
reason there should be an incomplete
rod connection, or should a broken
bond occur by reason of the vibrat-
ing methods which are used to obtain
a greater strength concrete, the stray
radio frequency energy can be effici-
ently carried off by an unbroken
metallic network to the ground.
In ordinary reinforced concrete
construction, tie wires serve to hold
the steel rods in place as the concrete
is being poured. In this design the tie
rod serves primarily as a rod spacing
and holding method for the welded
connection. Should the spacing be-
tween rods come out in multiples of
one half the radio frequency wave
length and should the bonds be brok-
en at both ends, then the rods will
have the tendency to act as an un-
grounded antennae and will need-
lessly use up power.
Additional strength for earthquake
or blast resistance of the building is
provided by the continuous welded
bond of the reinforcing rods. Future
design of radio transmitter buildings
based on this experience will provide
even more economic sections of rein-
forced concrete, taking into consid-
eration the increased structural
strength brought about by the
bonded network of reinforcing rods,
resulting in greater building econo-
my.
The problem of controlling radio
frequency energy in the metallic con-
struction members of the high power,
low frequency station is basically the
same as that of the high frequency
transmitter building; however, it is
much greater in magnitude. For this
type of proposed construction, cop-
per-coated steel rods, such as "Cop-
perweld", are being considered as re-
inforcing for concrete. These rods
would prove highly effective in rapid-
ly transmitting stray radio frequency
to ground without heating up the
steel core, because the tendency of
electric current at radio frequency
is to travel on the outside perimeter
of a conductor, particularly one of
relatively low resistance, such as cop-
per.
Research is contemplated for high-
conductivity metal rods, as well as for
copper-coated steel rods, to deter-
mine, as follows, their feasibility for
use in the reinforced concrete radio
transmitter building:
( 1 ) Suitability as concrete rein-
forcement.
(2) Use as an open metallic rein-
forcing lacework shielding bonded to
a copper ground system at the base.
(3) Suitability of welding togeth-
er of reinforcement to provide ade-
quate bonding strength, and a con-
tinuous "to ground" network.
It is felt that this correlation of
applied electronics structural bond-
ing techniques and architecture will
prove of interest, particularly in
bringing out an improved and eco-
nomical solution for new electronics
structures insofar as military appli-
cations are concerned.
62
ILLINOIS TECH ENGINEER
TVNews
OpenLibrary